The Best First Chapter Advice I’ve Ever Heard | How to Start a Novel

The first chapter of your novel is arguably the most important part. Obviously, it's the first thing people will read, and whether or not they continue reading will hinge on how much they enjoyed that opening scene.

So how do you write a GREAT first chapter for your novel? Here's the best advice I've ever heard (along with a writing workshop exercise you can do to make your first chapter shine)!

Looking for more writing workshops? I've got 'em!
Character transformation: https://skl.sh/33iwgFH
Writing a book description: https://skl.sh/356PtLg

Want your copy of THE MAGIC WORDS by Cheryl Klein? https://bookshop.org/shop/michellesch... and also on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cTnkem

WRITING/WORK STUFF
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. https://amzn.to/3cStKui
Adjustable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. https://amzn.to/2OYh0tX
Clever Fox planner. I’ve used a few planners and this is my fav. https://amzn.to/3vNmk3Z
Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. https://amzn.to/311nRoP
Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. https://amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. I won’t lie, this thing is a behemoth. But I’ve had it since 2017 and I think I’ve had maybe one paper jam? It works great, it’s super consistent, A++ for printing manuscripts. https://amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. https://amzn.to/2OUCaJx

COFFEE STUFF
Ninja coffee maker. I freaking love this thing! It has a “speciality” setting that’ll make...not espresso, but pretty dang close. There’s a milk frother attached if you want to get fancy with your drink. https://amzn.to/31533Nu
Cold brew pitcher. I have two of these on constant rotation in the fridge. Don’t judge me. https://amzn.to/3cSKVM9
Zulay milk frother. (Yes, I take my coffee seriously.) https://amzn.to/3r7DDJu

VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. The autofocus does tick me off sometimes, but in manual mode it’s perfect, and I love the flip up screen (ie, you can see yourself as you film) and the fact that there’s a mic port. https://amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. https://amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. https://amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. https://amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. https://amzn.to/2OSaLb2
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Check out my free Create Dynamic Characters course, a quick writing workshop that'll help you create a protagonist who transforms AND find an organic plot for your novel in just 20-30 minutes! https://michelleschustermancourses.th...

Plus I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey, including:

From Premise to Plot: A Guide to Plotting
My FIRST First Draft Checklist
My Revision Game Plan
The Query Formula

Download 'em all here: https://www.michelleschusterman.com/f...
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BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/...
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Like audiobooks? I switched from Audible to Libro.fm in 2019 and have zero regrets. Libro.fm sends your $ to the indie bookstore of your choice! The monthly fee is the same. Sign up with this referral link and get a FREE audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm1...

Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! https://bookshop.org/lists/writing-cr...
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Looking for a ghostwriter for your novel? I might be your gal! https://reedsy.com/michelle-schusterman

If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: https://reedsy.com/p/michelle-schuste...

*full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!*
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MY BOOKS
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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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