A few years ago Harlequin editors created a little checklist about effective first chapters. We don’t literally fill them out these days, but most of us keep them in mind. Here are some of the points we raised…
Is the characterization strong and vivid?
Do the characters make decisions?
Are the characters appealing?
Is the motivation established and consistent?
Does the story engage the reader emotionally?
Is the pacing steady?
Are the opening and closing lines strong?
(Is the prologue needed?)
Do you want to read on?
And the editor had to either say yes–or explain how in the revisions the author would address those points.
It was surprising at first how we had to think about those points–and then how ingrained it became to expect those elements in a story.
Depending on what you’re writing, it might not be essential to have a “yes” to every point. But while you might get away with skipping some of those points, because a category romance is so tightly written and so focused on the emotional push and pull with the readers and the characters, it’s essential to draw the reader into the promise of the story from the start.
So think about it–can you say yes to these points in your opening chapter? And if no, why not?
Happy writing!
3 replies on “First Chapter Needs from Harlequin Editors”
Thanks for this! I’m pinning to my board across from my computer.
I’m with Yvonne. I’m going to save this as well.
Thank you!
I will definitely be checking these points in future manuscripts! Thanks for the blog post.
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!