False Starts and Introductions

“At dawn, the sun either shines itself or hides behind clouds, promising what the day will bring. So it is with introductions in stories.” —anonymous

False start introductions in novels can be risky. While they can be exciting, many professionals don’t prefer them. They used to be more common in the past, but nowadays they are not as popular. The problem is that false introductions are usually poorly done and give off a flat feeling for the rest of the book.

On Introductions

First Paragraphs

The first few paragraphs of a book introduce an author’s style—his or her prose rhythm, subtle insecurities, and other narrative patterns. A book is like an onion; it has layers of emotional and mental components embedded into the prose.

In the early stages of writing, authors often need time to figure out what they want to do with their stories. Analyzing their writing patterns in these drafts can help writers improve and grow. This involves reading and reviewing their manuscripts.

A Handy Exercise on Introductions in Prose

There’s an exercise in this article. An author examines the first 250 words of the story. Heavily. Dissect it, break it apart, and ask:

1. What is the purpose of this introduction?
2. Why is it set up like this?
3. Is there a hook for the reader?
4. Is the introduction short enough for the sake of clarity and pacing, but long enough to express its purpose?
5. What patterns does this intro reveal about the book as a whole?

These questions are by no means exhaustive. Invent questions and discover how many perspectives and shades of grey the introduction can produce.

The first 250 words are important because they give readers an idea of what the story is about. When people browse books or read samples online, they usually read the beginning to see if they like it. So, these first few sentences can determine if someone decides to invest their time and money into reading the entire book. Books and reading are all about exchanging energy.

Can the author provide a worthwhile exchange for the reader?

Keeping Intros Interesting

“Stories are like skirts. They have to be long enough to cover everything, but short enough to keep things interesting.” —anonymous

While this might not be the cleverest of quotes, the author did have a point. Stories, and particularly introductions in novels—since they are a significant part of the prose—should be short and sweet, including everything that should be there.

Hooking Readers in the Introduction of a Novel

Here’s a helpful article on hooking readers in the introduction. The author mentions driving the prose with curiosity and conflict—elements that provoke the reader, tempting them to read further.

Internal dialog or exposition can give readers insights into a character’s thoughts and feelings. It can reveal their insecurities, flaws, or other issues. However, writers should be careful not to make it too long or boring for the reader.

Stress is…Good for Readers?

Readers enjoy tension and suspense in stories, but not in real life. So, it’s important to grab their attention early on and promise them a rewarding experience if reading. Make sure to keep them hooked by creating scenes filled with excitement and anticipation.

Don’t be Afraid to Use False Introductions

Approach the introduction of a novel with a sense of clarity and purpose for the reader. Have a plan for the intro, and reflect that throughout the story. The promises made in those first 250 words should come full circle. Otherwise, the introduction is nothing more than a prop that can not—and should not—stand on its own.