The Writer's Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell

I find opening scenes give me the most trouble in my novels, but I haven’t been able to find concrete information to help me write better beginnings. I bought this book because of Munier’s experience as a literary agent and writer.What I liked best is the specific examples she provides to help show us exactly what works in a novel. As a visual learner, I found this information to be invaluable. Now I’m able to compare and contrast and gain a stronger sense of not only what I’m doing wrong, but how to revise.Munier reminds us that a beginning is comprised of many elements, and that it’s important to think carefully about our choices regarding POV, conflict, backstory, and setting—to name a few. She spends time explaining the choices we have and ways we can handle them to write the strongest story we can. What’s more, Munier offers “Jump-starts,” brainstorming activities to help you find the most effective story openers.I still have a lot of work to do, especially if I want to attract the attention of a literary agent, but this book has already helped me find solid footing on the path to publication.

The insights & advice is the book are just the ticket to take your writing to the next level.

The competition for a reader’s attention begins on page one. “If the beginning doesn’t work, the rest of the story doesn’t really matter,” writes Paula Munier, a literary agent, writer, editor, and writing teacher. There are many writing books out there, but this book stands out because Munier’s teaching skills shine through. Also, she offers first-hand observations about the publishing industry, and weaves them into the writing lessons she imparts. It’s “insider information” that won’t get you in hot water.Are you wondering why agents or editors rejected your first chapter? You’ll find an eye-opening answer on page 27. Can’t decide whether to start your book with a prologue? Check out page 192. If you finished writing the first 100 pages of your novel—congratulations! Now you need the checklist on page 240 to bulletproof your work. Get a copy of the book now!

Paula is a treasure to the entire field of writing. She is experienced as a writer, editor, content consultant, seminar master, and an agent, plus. Besides all that, she communicates at whatever level is required to teach and advise writers. This book is a fabulous directive on beginnings but addresses much more about all the areas of expertise about what should happen after the beginning. It is s must-read for novice writers but also a top notch manual on how to write and sell for even seasoned writers. Let's hope she keeps going on her many facets of writing.

Lots of tips and useable ways to move from raw idea to interesting stories step by step.The author has a strong voice with a good dash of humor that makes the material come alive.Also, lots of great examples to show the various points made.

Very helpful... and a good reminder that it’s really the first 250 words that will get someone to keep reading - you have one shot so make it count!

Recommended for those who are jaded and feel burned out from buying lots of books on writing stories. The sections that explain brainstorming, yearning, concious and subconcious desires, pacing, touch on these topics briefly but gives plenty of examples to understand. It is explained with an easy to understand way and is not vague, or that repeats a lot.

Paula Munier shows authors how to set up their stories to captivate agents, publishers, and readers, and she does so with deft clarity and invaluable insights. This is her third book on writing and she once again shares her vast knowledge as a top literary agent about narrative structure, craft, and the current state of publishing. I will keep this with her other two guidebooks within arm's reach of my desk. Five stars!

Very helpful...great tips! recommend.

Good book. Worth the price.