9 First Chapter Strategies that make Readers OBSESSED

[@maggot1111666]

i like how you always give real book examples in all your videos. pretty much the only writing advice channel that does this in such detail

[@SeverusFelix]

This is precisely what I was going to say. So many supposed book channels give exclusively movie and television references. Nothing wrong with cross pollinating, but when ALL the examples are movies, maybe you're really looking to talk about movies?

[@katherinecooper8694]

You would probably also love Ellen Brock's channel 😁 she goes into way more detail

[@federicopalacios7439]

Yeah, most channels give movie examples, and while storytelling is universal, they are still very different mediums. Having examples from books with actual quotes is very useful.

[@ajc2208]

Yes, John really lays it out so it's easy to understand by also including real book examples. I took a few of John's Bookfox online courses from a few years ago and I'm so glad I stumbled upon his website by accident. I love the shorter version of his KZbin writing strategies, also.

[@ajc2208]

​@@federicopalacios7439 I agree. It's good to see how other writers express ideas that can help you formulate your own more easily.

[@beggo1989]

You don't only make me want to do better when I write... You do make me better... I've noticed my writing and mindset while writing is better.... Thank you

[@salientrogue3117]

If you haven’t read it already, his book is extremely helpful.

[@Fitrah111]

What book is that?

[@max1palm3ri08]

In one story I did the opposite of "offer someone to root for": it's a comedy about the most hateful protagonist ever seen, but he only wins 'cause plot armor (it's a comedy). And the chapter gives you to understand that his plot armor is not absolute and that there is a low probability that he will finally be punished for his actions

[@Iram_Ali]

Your videos are great. To the point with real examples from great books. Easy to understand and entertaining at the same time. Thank you!

[@geordiejones5618]

Just wanted to say thank you for this free content/advice. It's made such a difference for me to check my ego and seek out as much from others as seems helpful. Currently working on my debut novel and 20ish short stories at the same time after years of half assing and being noncommittal. I figure I can either make excuses or work on it all and see what lands and what feels more reflective of my current skill level and experience. Most of my short stories function as solid previews of larger works in progress, and I'll try to push the stories that feel most similar to the novel.

[@ajc2208]

I think we all suffer from bouts of what you're describing at different times, for different reasons. And yes, John is very inspirational on many levels.

[@jeremyalam480]

Got your book-got your insights, snappy dialog too. Using them to improve my storytelling. Dammit-so much to revise, and it's all your fault. Keep em coming.

[@weewee2701]

am in your shoes too

[@ajc2208]

😅😅😅😅

[@Tzarina8472]

Interesting video. Way to go, providing examples of the stuff you're trying to talk about without always explaining what it is you're actually trying to talk about.

[@VinnyTheory]

How do you just not love this guy? The best

[@SpanishEclectic]

Really great examples, and succinct, which is always a plus. You are a great teacher. Also like your collection of bookish T-shirts, lol.

[@thebatman129]

I bought The Linchpin Writer as an ebook more than a year ago, but I didn't read it, and it's still on my "bookshelf." I'm just discovering that the book was written by the man I enjoy listening to on KZbin on the subject of writing.

[@Bookfox]

Oh, hope you enjoy it! And please leave a review on Amazon when you're done.

[@BabyfejsPlatlipla]

Another topic but I have to say your passion for writing really shines through and brings out the excitement I have for writing too. I feel hyped about writing from every single video and it makes it easier to start in the morning, and I've also improved my writing based on your advice.

[@beet3818]

It's not a Book Fox video until you get to the example from The Road 🐝

[@billyalarie929]

Lmao this is so true tho hahaha

[@JForrestFisher--76]

Regarding mystery & worldbuilding, most people, and I used to, think about worldbuilding backward. I was thinking about the game Horizon Zero Dawn, which is built around a propulsive mystery with a second mystery that comes into play later. I was trying to figure out how to do that. But then I realized it wasn't really something you do it's just a matter of having the discipline to not sabotage yourself. Horizon Zero Dawn has a really innovative world concept, and most authors with such a great world would want to tell the reader all about it as soon as possible. But they don't. They just show enough of their world to hook the player and then feed the rest slowly to create mystery.

[@robertrdbrooks7658]

Nailed 'em! Just one thing. It's the short prologue. Chapter 1 starts with a mystery. Stargate, meets X files - meets - The Witcher & his Harry Potter sidekick. Doctors, Detectives, and the world they stumble into ...

[@zivmontenegro8303]

Currently at my Chapter 9 of my YA literary sci-fi and I believe my opening chapter would attract people who relate to my angsty teen female MC. It deals with so much grief and the very essence of coming of age and childhood

[@Ringo98000]

This is a terrific video. Thank you.

[@elenakh5561]

Thank you for adding all the books to my reading list 😂

[@Bookfox]

Sorry? But also great you have some wonderful books ahead of you. :)

[@RosieIfYouKnowMe]

I'm so excited that my first chapter is everything you mentioned. I'm still insecure about it but it's my debut so that's probably normal.

[@Dorinn3]

I really like how youre doing this!

[@jennyrice6065]

Thanks!

[@Bookfox]

Thank you! Really appreciate it! Hope your writing is going well and this helps you along the journey.

[@jennyrice6065]

@Bookfox I love your videos. :)

[@crownprincesslaya2]

Another amazing video, thank you so much for sharing! ✨

[@PhoenixCrown]

You always save the best for last. Any story where I can see a character change, grow, win... Give us [an MC] to root for.

[@Gunsong1]

A prime example of all these in action is the first chapter in at the mountains of madness by Lovecraft. He manages to cram most of these in the first paragraph.

[@wittykittywoes]

I adore your videos! thank you.

[@oldguyinstanton]

I think I've got four of these in my first chapter. Well, actually, chapters (it's a framing/framed story structure).

[@coelhoigor]

2,041 words. Still 40-45% there 🤭 Thanks Prof Fox

[@BooksForever]

Excellent advice, as usual here.

[@naherrera_author]

Will there be a a live to critique of the first page of our books? It's okay if there wont be one. I was just really excited about it 😊

[@letsnotgetstressed8552]

New video! :D

[@dorysmith2776]

Another video for me to save and review before publishing

[@jimbrentar]

So, Jose Saramago borrowed from Day Of The Triffids?

[@amos_comedies742]

Do these points also work for prologues?

[@Bookfox]

I feel like prologues have slightly different rules and goals. I'd want to make a whole video about prologues.

[@amos_comedies742]

@Bookfox Thanks for the reply. A prologue video would be great.

[@kahwigulum]

I wish I could take your course but covid killed my job and i havent been able to collect any income for five years ( i wont bore you with that and im not looking for sympathy). Ive been trying to write this novel for about seven and it seems ill have to self publish it (assuming im able to finish it). i know it wont make any money, and probably wont garner any interest, but i think it 's a great concept, and a compelling story, and i love love love my characters, but writing what i think is a killer novel is at least a goal i can attain if steady employment isnt and keeps me from nihilism. i dont read a lot of fiction (because i cant buy fiction and the libraries are always out of copies of pretty much everything) so its hard to assemble a comp list when i dont know what else is out there. still, i watch your videos and other people's and learn as much as i can. i constantly want to quit, but then i think of some line of dialogue or interplay between some characters and compare it to how ive currently written it and how the new idea is so much better and smooths out some other area i was struggling with and im drawn right back in and spend yet even more time on it, so i guess that's something. originally i was going to publish a collection of short stories which has garnered praise (albeit from my friends who are biased) but then this latest short story idea turned into something that could probably carry a whole novel, so now it is, and the rest of my stories (which are pretty much finished) can just wait for more short stories later before getting published (if i even ever do that). dont know why im writing this, just free associating and trying to tell you that your videos have helped me and how i wish i had a private sesh if only for a few minutes so i could pick your brain even though i cant pay you. so yea. take care.

[@SkyThePegasusOfficial]

Well, mine starts from action. Like, my fmc is running away after stealing the queen's crown. And the guards are after her. Then she gets shot. But the arrow didn't go too deep. Yeah, average first chapter :')

[@IHBooks]

I love the info in your videos, but your endings are quite abrupt. Could you, pretty please, give it a breath or two before ending? Thank you for your time and consideration 😊

[@aSnailCyclopsNamedSteve]

You missed a few mistakes on the first page of James, which you showed on the books you edited.

[@aSnailCyclopsNamedSteve]

It's a good book with good writing. I picked it at random a few days ago to analyse the first page to see what it could tell me about the possibilities of literary analysis.

[@aSnailCyclopsNamedSteve]

For example, the third word of chapter 1 is an anachronism. Don't believe it? Check out how Twain uses the word. The OED also supports this.

[@fading_figure]

my novel is about loneliness, and if i don't use these strategies, will society still accept me and my novel?

[@anacebotari8604]

I think this is a very relevant topic right now, one that resonates with many people. I highly recommend watching the ColdFusion video How We Became the Loneliest Generation. I cried watching it, it might serve as inspiration for you or at least resonate. It also highlights how we often confuse loneliness with solitude. As for strategies, as John mentioned in one of his other videos: you can listen to advice, but ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not to use it, something like that.

[@fading_figure]

@@anacebotari8604 yeah, thanks for the suggestion. my novel is finished btw, and will be published in few days. and I portrayed loneliness as a part of human nature

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

The Road was a terrible book, as well as a terrible movie.

[@docsavage8640]

I guess if you like modern formulaic crapola.