How to Start Your Novel: Writing an Unforgettable First Chapter That Hooks Readers

Are you struggling to write the first chapter of your novel? In this episode of The Christian Writers Podcast, we’ll break down how to start your book with an inciting incident that grabs your reader’s attention from page one. Whether you’re writing middle grade, YA, or clean Christian fiction for adults, you’ll learn how to create a compelling opening scene that sets the stage for your entire story.

Discover how to:

• Write a first chapter that hooks readers emotionally and moves the plot forward
  
  
  
  


• Develop a strong inciting incident that forces your main character into action
  
  
  
  


• Avoid common beginner mistakes like info-dumping or starting too slow
  
  
  
  


• Use emotion, movement, and mystery to make your first page impossible to put down
  
  
  
  

📘 Want step-by-step guidance to build your novel from the ground up?

Grab my Middle Grade Magic Workbook—packed with exercises and prompts to help you write strong characters, meaningful conflict, and unforgettable stories.

👉 Get it here: https://kgauthor.myflodesk.com/middleschoolmagic

Perfect for new Christian writers who want to tell clean, impactful stories that reflect their faith without being preachy.