The First Five Pages of Your Novel
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- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2024
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- Today, I'm giving you seven things to include in those precious first five pages of your novel!
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An example for #2: This is actually from a movie, but in a way it still counts. The movie Tangled begins with the simple, shocking line "This is the story of how I died."
... and follows it up with: "But don't worry, it's actually pretty funny."
(paraphrasing cause I don't know the English version)
I always wonder when I watch videos like this: Do people actually read the beginning of the book in a bookstore? I never do that. I read the back cover text and see how long the chapters are. I never read the first lines and become hooked by them. I rather become hooked by the general idea of the novel.
True. If I see an interesting looking book, I always just read the blurb. It gives you a clearer idea of whether the book is actually any good.
Feels good that I'm not alone.
I'm also even a little saddened that half of writer-directed youtube sector is speaking about how first lines of the novel have to hook you right away.
Sure, you don't want to be boring, but I personally like somewhat slow/contemplative development.
I just look at the blurb as well. Not all popular books have first lines or first pages that hook a person. That’s another reason why I always give a book a few chapters before deciding whether it’s a good book or not
I do!
In a book store? I don't.
Online? All the time.
The blurb (brief description of the story, usually on the back of the book) will tell me if I want to START reading.
The first chapter is a good indicator of if I want to KEEP reading.
The first few lines... Well, first impressions and all that.
My novels hook:
"Do you know how much street credit you get in the Underworld for owning the deceased head of Olympus's Heir? Yeah, me neither. But it must be a lot, because the monster chasing me looks pretty determined."
@Kira Lou it's not even close to finished, but, if youd like, you can be a beta reader.
@@thatcrazydaisey3437 how does one become a beta reader? 😁
@@berenicethegirl is there a way I could message you?
@@thatcrazydaisey3437 me too me too
I d like to apply as your "beta" reader too
I've always wanted a video about cross genres and how to pick them
Yeah. Lovecraftian Horror + Romance, please.
Fantastic Cross Genres and How To Pick Them
5:58 “Promising your reader there will be plenty of struggle from the first page is a great way to hook them” 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 easily one of the greatest words of literary advice I have ever heard!!!
I’m the one who suggested this! Thank you so much Vivian! I’m a very happy subscriber. I remember requesting this in your travel video. :)
I tried to find your comment to put in my video but RUclips was sabotaging my efforts! Thanks for the great suggestion 😊
Oh! New video idea! What about the *last* five pages? Or the last chapter?
.... could you talk about do’s and don’ts for making character stereotypes......... it’s fine if you can’t I just wanted to ask. You can do it if you want to....
Great tips here; especially about injecting a little conflict early on. I’ve read so many books where there’s no conflict until the inciting incident (and sometimes not even there), and that’s more than enough reason for me to DNF a book.
I know right?
Perfect timing! I just finished my manuscript and am about to begin editing so this helps a ton, thank you!!!
Ugh I began to edit my novel, but then me and my friends started working on the next one and I have lost complete interest. Story of my life. Hope your editing went better than mine lol!
i think the most important tip for writing the first five pages is to know where your story starts, and using some reference from reading past books’ first five pages for help.
Okay, this is the start of my book:
Prologue
Chapter 1: Flashback within flashback
Chapter 2: Flashback
Chapter 3: In medias Reis
Chapter 4: Origin story on the complete history of the universe
Chapter 5: Dream sequence within a dream sequence
Chapter 6: Dream sequence
Chapter 7: Main character waking up and getting ready for their day
Chapter 8: Complete history of main character's family, hometown, and history
Chapter 9: Exposition dump involving the plot
Chapter 10: Coffee shop scene
Just kidding. I began with a prelude establishing an all-encompassing narrator in conflict with the central protagonist. Then in Chapter 1, the nameless, faceless protagonist (as of yet) drives around on his motorcycle and kills three dragons in three unique ways (assassination via sniper rifle, mercy kill with sword to the head, and combat using swords, a grenade, and shotgun). No dialogue yet, but I'm going to experiment a bit.
😂
Love the wordplay with Vivien's last name! 😂
I also feel like the little conflicts in the beginning should be the Internal Conflict (MC's Need)
Will you do a video on where to find the best budget friendly editors and how to edit your own book well enough to publish it
I’m really struggling with side plots. I would love to see a video on how to develop side plots in a novel.
AMJ55 she already has one
the thing about side plots is you have to start them without knowing what's going to happen. At first, it always seems unrelated, but in the end it plays a huge part. It's one of those "Go with the flow" things that I really hate, but it actually works. And if it doesn't, no sweat... unless it's a series.
Yay, a new video! I've been binge-watching some of your older ones lol
I love when books give facts about the real world so that's how I started my novel but since their facts about the moon I'm worried people might think it's si-fi.
"Tips for the first five pages!" *Shows ten fingers* 😂
(whispers) Spirit fingers!
You are more beautiful after having your baby.
There, I said it.
Fine video, too, as usual.
What about a video about the things that you love to see in books? I adore it when writers gush about parts of books that get them excited!
Such a good idea! I feel like there's too many "negative" videos (things I hate, worst things, etc). Added to the list!
Can you make a video on:
1. How to bring emotions into each character
2. How to write fillers to make my novel longer and entertaining
Can you talk about how to create loathsome yet likable characters?
ExpatCook.com
conviction. they have a job and they do it well. you kinda respect them even though they're doing a bad thing, and them enjoying themselves a little bit helps too.
You also have to make the readers simpathetic to the char. even if they don't agree with them
Do this with backstory: family, "ghosts", etc
Give them a painful backstory! Something we can relate to that made them who they are, even if it was a long time ago.
make a snape
This was a helpful video. I was watching and realized something I need to change in my first chapter. I just finished the first draft over the holiday weekend and this helps with my editing I'm doing now.
I love this!
i needed to hear that today. Its been a rough couple.of months and I had paused writting, but listening to this gave me the small push I needed. Thanks, will be watching your videos regularly
I really need to get back into the writing flow...
These are great tips! And number four actually gave me a revelation about my work in progress, and why my beginning is actually pretty good, even though I start after the inciting incident :)
I’m so glad I checked all these boxes when editing my first book! Also, are you still going to do a video on making an Author website with Wix?? Because that would be super helpful!! Love you!
Found your channel last night and literally love it!
Can you make a video about staying in your character's voice? It's something I struggle with constantly.
Benjamin Bush
mood, situation, likes, dislikes, beliefs, values, dominant personality traits and other factors should help, but knowing your character is key.
I have to say this - you have the most "interesting" face (that's a compliment). I have stopped the video a dozen times to take a note, and no matter what frame I stop it on you look fabulous or funny or interesting.
*This from a guy with a face for radio - you can stop a video of me on any frame you like and I look odd.
RADIO FACE--- my friend this sounds like story title, perhaps you can use this as a rom-com or if your really diabolical like me lol it could be a horror.
You were like the very first person I ever subscribed to, I love your videos! Could you maybe do one on screenwriting? What are your thoughts on screenwriting? Or if you haven't tried it maybe you could do a trying it out video. Thanks 😁
Loved your tips..ur actually helping me one my road of becoming a better writer..thnx allot💙💙💙
Avidly checking my first chapter to ensure it contains all your tips☺. Thank you for another excellent tips video Vivien 🌼
6:06 Gods, you're so funny. :)
It's always so nice to see your uploads with those practical tips. Keep em coming, please! I like your style.
Loved the tips!
THank you so much for this😭
always love your videos! def need to watch them more often thank u for the tips :))
Amazing tips!! Really helpful
Thanks Vivien, I'll remember this for my novel.
Thankyou this helped me so much and all of your other videos
Great video. Your videos have helped me a lot with my own writing.
I would like to suggest a video topic on writing the middle portion of a novel. I've been slowly writing a fantasy novel for years, and I'm never happy with the middle, I always struggle with that.
These are great! Thanks for sharing!
I would love to hear your tips for revision and self-editing.
Thanks for the video!
Oh my gosh! So helpful! And I’m happy to report that I have a lot of there already 😉😉
Oh my so happy to see your new video.. this is what i need haha
Thank you for existing!
OMG, that last one was so beautiful!
Thanks very helpful - looking forward to 1st vs 3rd person video.
I'm fairly new to your channel but I have a very important question. What if you know what you want to say but don't know how to say it?
Look at how you want to set up the story, and then think of what would set up the story the best and as for just starting to write it, absolute nonsense and then edit it to your liking until you eventually get the 5 pages down
oof ive been there too
If you don't know how to say it, you "don't" know want you want to say.
write 20 sentences about the same line...
I mean, that's basically the process of becoming a writer, learning how to articulate your ideas. The best thing you can do is to read more, and to read intelligently, paying attention to what the author is doing on the page.
I came here from live sprints and this is great advice! I know "no typos" is obvious advice, but I didn't even consider how having them in the first five pages could be a deal breaker
Really helpful, thank you.
I like your video very much. Congratulations for your baby, I should say. I watch you since some months and they are very useful for my writtter's life. I am Brazilian and I'm not fluent in your language but I know it enough to understand you.
And, of course, I did always find you pretty, mainly after your pragnancy💛
Love it! Thank you 😊
I would love for you to do a video about PROPHECIES! To do or not to do? Different styles for writing them. Just a general "how to".
I might have never agreed more to another comment on a video.
My book's first lines. Idk if it's any good, but I like it.
,,Life is beautiful (Until it isn't, but no one cares about that). We're doing just great (No, we're starving).
Well, at least we have a house to live in. Oh yeah... about that.
It's burning down."
And then the scene starts and their house is burning down.
very helpful thanks
Tips on building suspense! Pretty broad, but would be fun narrowing it down by genre with perhaps multiple videos.
Good video! Yeah I need to Axe the old wake up to alarm clock beginning LOL ...Working on a coming of age type contemporary novel, got some good ideas to keep it interesting, need to work on emotional dialog, Show don't tell. doing the chapter with scene arcs formula.
You are amazing thank you
Your channel has really blown up!
Thank you 🙏🏾 🤍
Richard Stark (A.K.A. Donald Westlake) is the model for beginning an action story. He always drops the reader directly into a scene of violence, leaving the exposition for a bit later.
love how you pronounce your last name (I'm from Germany so it's always quite fun to hear how people pronounce their names)
First impression is the last impression
If you haven’t already made a video on it, how about a video on world building or character introductions in fantasy novels.
Hi Vivien! Maybe you can give some tips on how to write scripts for graphic novels/films (I personally put them in one category). Is there a particular differences in approach to write scripts rather than novel? It might be not entirely related to your channel's theme but since it's about writing... I'd appreciate;) Cheers!
Vivien, I have three main characters I'm introducing at the beginning of a dynastic style story. There is no fault at the beginning, rather a mystery to solve. Is this something a writer can use to draw in the reader? Thanks for all you do as a new mom. All my best to you, Steven, Rocky, Kiera, and mostly that little darling girl Isla. ❤💝❤💟💟
Your tips might have been preceded by establishing the setting, the season, the time of day, each of which, or all, may also be used as character description (eg., how does the protagonist feel about each of them?) However he feels can go a long way toward setting the tone and initiating sub-text, as well.
My view on writing a book or novel is to first have a story to tell. A hook is okay, but I feel that if I show my biggest fireworks first then the demand on me is to have even greater fireworks throughout the book. I've noticed that in all great works of written material and film the story starts at the bottom and works it's way up to the climax and resolution. I'm a aci-fi fan and in good sci-fi novels and movies the plot start off in some no importance town where the people are going about their daily lives where there's nothing to stand out and say HOLY-COW! Then along the way the villain begins to appear and grow on prominence. Then there is a conflict, a climax, and a resolution. There are at least nine elements to writing and movies. They don't have to be in particular order.
1. The plot (the canvass or the painting background where the story is told)
2. The protagonist (the innocent victim, the object of being the prey, the oppressed, etc.)
3. The antagonist (villain, evil force, malevolent being or creature)
4. The comedy incident
5. The love scene
6. The hero scene
7. The ethical issues scene
8. The us verses them scene
9. Then there is the story within the story (this is a work of art) where sub plots are told. You can have more than one. Stephen King is an expert of telling the story within the story
10. The slow build to the climax brings us to the resolution. The resolution is where we look back at what happened and consider the future ahead. We count the bodies, look at the victories, and contemplate the present.
I have two written books that have all of this. I won't mention them here unless Vivien gives permission to do so. She's a very good writer and I've followed her page for years along with Mandy Lynn, another good writer. I enjoy their videos.
Good tips. One bit of feedback though: it's not "in media ray" but "in medias res". It's Latin; it means "in the middle of the thing". :)
Woops! Watching it back I dropped the S's in my pronunciation 😦
@@VivienReis No worries. Not everyone is forced to take seven years of Latin classes like I was. ^^
I’m writing a book about my friends,it’s going to be merch,but for my future fans,there is only 1 copy,it’s called Notebook
I don’t know if you have already done a video on this, I couldn’t find one. But something I really struggle with is writing good dialogue. It just doesn’t flow and looks kind of choppy and just not great, so if you haven’t already could you please do a video on tips on how to write good dialogue ❤️
Video suggestion/question: How to gather an audience who will read your book. You can’t release a book out into a cold, unresponsive void as a normal person with no following, no audience, with 100 followers made of friends, family members, and people you went to high school with. You have to have people to announce your book release to, who will care about your work, even if it’s your debut novel. If RUclips and other social media platforms are not your thing, how do you establish an audience who will know about your release, or care enough to read your work and spread your name?
Helpful video, I'll soon be making use of it(I hope)! Though before that, on the opposite side of the video's topic, I have a question about the ending. I've written almost all of my rough draft, all that's left is the climax, which I have been struggling with. I know what I should write but somehow I just can't get into it. I thought it was burn out so took some time away but that didn't help. So my question is should I read through my whole draft and then try to write the climax or do I just need to push through? Thanks for reading through my long comment =) and I hope you have fun and good luck!
How do you get in touch with your characters? like I’m always hearing “let your characters take control of the story “ but exactly how do I do that.
While this isn't likely to be immediately helpful (unless you wish to adopt a new hobby), having played, and especially having moderated, roleplaying games made writing self-actuating characters come naturally to me. A shortcut might be informal skull sessions with your writing group (if you have one), proposing simple scenarios and seeing how different characters respond to them and to other characters *in character*. It might feel silly, but it might also turn out to be a lot of fun, and can definitely strengthen those characters in your head before you actually write about them. =^[.]^=
Just have really in-depth characters before you start writing.
So it’s pretty normal and natural for your characters to develop as you’re writing. You can have a basic idea of who they are when you start, but not have them fully realized with unique speech patterns, quirks, etc. The more you write, the more you figure out these things out by trying stuff on and seeing what fits. You’ll get a feel for the more minor aspects of these characters, or even decide to completely change a major aspect of them because a different goal/motivation now fits better with their personality. (And then you fix the beginning where the character’s personality isn’t present yet during the second draft, so don’t worry about a mismatch.)
Really, it comes down to trial and error and going with what makes you happiest and makes most sense. And then you build from there. You go with your intuition and let aspects of your story be malleable and flexible and change them when it’s suitable for how your characters develop. A personal example, I originally meant for my main character to be pretty charismatic and good at talking to people. But as I wrote, I realized I liked a more sensitive and emotional prose for him. That lead to him being shy and anxious, and then he had a full blown anxiety disorder, which made him less charismatic and less people-savvy. This actually fixed an issue I had with my outline, where an instance of miscommunication throws him into the Darkest Hour, but his miscommunication originally just made him look like an asshole and I feared he wouldn’t be redeemable. Now, he has a miscommunication issue because of his anxiety disorder holding him back from expressing his true thoughts and feelings, which is much more redeemable than just being an asshole to his boyfriend. So I basically let him “take the lead” with the story and adapted my plot ideas to fit him better, and that ended up making the plot a lot better. That’s how you do it.
This might sound hard to do, and it might be at first, but the only way to get better at it is to keep doing it. And you’ll find that you can do it. You’ll see what I mean by all this when you get there. I really hope this was helpful, and I wish you all the luck on your writing endeavors!
Think about this, ever had a friend where you typically agree on everything and when you hang out you run out of things to do? Now contrast that to somebody youve got a conflict with and maybe a few confidantes, now theres a situation.
The high fantasy novel I'm writing is in strict PoV Limited. I write nothing that the main protagonist doesn't know or experience, and I never switch PoV. The problem with this is that seems harder to build tension compared to an omniscient perspective if you can't hint at things coming the character's way befcause the character woulnd't know that.
Great video! Thanks! One suggestion: Maybe how to incorporate your real experiences into your novel.
Vivien Reis hey
My question is,
How not to repeat your tone of voice in every new novel 🙏💡😀
In Short: You need to dwelve deeper into the character and therefore voice of the leader of the story. Whether that be your protagonist, antagonist or some other narrator. Whoever tells the story has their own perspective on life and the situation and the people involved and that impacts how it comes off to the reader. Consider the tone you want to portray, along with the main theme. Then pick the character who's backstory would best portray that. Or if you choose a 3rd pov narrator, determine which type works best. (limited, deep, omniscient, etc.)
Hi, Miss Vivian! I really appreciate your content and because of you, I'm really looking forward and motivated to once and for all, embark on my own journey in making my first Wattpad novel (or story, I don't know the term 😅).
I have a suggestion for a video, but I will respect the decision if you decide not to do so because I know this will be arduous for you.
As a 14 year-old non-English native speaker/writer, can you make a video saying:
1. commonly-used phrases or words that writers put in the start, between, and in the end of the story,
2. words that are kind of easy to spell out but hard to use it in a sentence, especially for me, again, as non-native English speaker (our English teacher calls those types of words, highfalutin words, so yeah 😅).
Anyways, that is all I can suggest for video content and I'm looking forward for more great videos aboyt writing like this one. Take care ❤
Love from Philippines 😊💛
My story doesn't start with my main character. Gonna rewrite again ☹️
can you do a video on getting back on an abandoned but really good book that you were writing but then got distracted with other ideas? Or have you already done that...
For those who want a more in-depth look at this topic, read "The First Five Pages" by Noah Lukeman.
Do you have any advice on prologues? I’ve heard some people say that prologues are overdone and dilute the rest of the story, but I’m currently considering the use of one as a way to tell a backstory that will play a big part later in the book.
Please make a video to tell how do I fix plot holes of my story.
Great video, thank you! I need help regarding a character dump in chapter 5 of my book. It’s an action scene involving two previously mentioned characters collision with 7 more people. All the beta readers love the book but this character dump confuses them all, because it’s gone from few characters to several. Each new character is vital to the entire story.
Any tips?
Also the action scene is so intense and every character plays a part in it or immediately after it. I’ve tried to eliminate characters and introduce them later but that really hurts the original action scene that is not a hook but extremely pivotal in how the rest of the novel goes.
Thank you in advance for any tips!
My story begins with two monsters that are the antagonists breaking free from where they are held prisoner. Also, could you do a video on how to make your book long
Could you please make a video on how to push past writers block?
I love your videos they really help me out! #vivienforever
💜💜💜
How to start a magical story‼️
where should I write my novel? I've been using google docs to write but I don't know if its the right place
Blurry Honedge try Scrivener
Blurry Honedge I use Microsoft word. I like the 2012 version personally.
I use Google docs and love I can use it anywhere and on whatever device I choose.
@@gracechapman2605 Campfire might also worth a look.
www.campfiretechnology.com/
Personally, I use Microsoft word, which is just cause I already had it for school. I recommend you use it instead of google docs because it has many more options.
I was actually wondering if you could do a video about character development...
Like a protagonists journey from a form of revenge to a hero of righteousness...
That kind of thing...
If you dont mind...
Ive tried Googling it but it all came out as a jumble of words...
And yes, i know this is an old video...
Hi Vivien, I'm a legal decision writer and these videos help me. So thank you
I wanna self publish my book but I'm just 13. Does it need to be an adult for that?
No I'm 11 maybe we can work together?
Thirteen year old here, I just assumed that self publishing would be too complicated for my lifestyle once I write it
It's great that you're writing a book at your young age :)! I love your enthusiasm! When it comes to publishing, consider waiting a bit longer. You're at an age where you're still learning a lot, not only about writing, but also about life itself. I think you'll be able to publish a better book a little later on.
You might have to wait, but definitely don't give up and keep writing throughout the years! Coming from a 17 year old who started when he was 11ish! Good luck!
I’m 15. I turn 16 This September. 👋
Could you make a video about how to introduce more descriptions in your novel?
Certainly! I'll add it to my list!
Vivien Reis thanks ❤️❤️❤️
@@VivienReis Thinking of trying to write a novel. Got what feels like an idea for a story that'll be the next best-seller. I already have the title which immediately inspired my mental synopsis, I've already watched a couple of videos like this from Jenna Moreci , { you may have different views than her } . I've pretty much got writer's block not sure where { or how } to start the 1st chapter only in the sense that there's potentially several different ways I could start with location and character(s) ~ it MAY have more than one main character or concluding hero. #Please_Help 🙋
Have you made a video about having a prologue or skipping to chapter 1?
This might have some info for you ☺️
How to Write a Prologue (and if you should!) ruclips.net/video/L2wbwx6xAqs/видео.html
David Curren
personally i was going to open with a prologue, but things were much more realistic and grabbing to open with the initial meeting of two characters, then sneaking in the prologue in flashbacks or exposition.
How long do you consider a chapter to be?
Ok ok aint no one gonna talk about how pretty her eyes are? Man! the way they shine 😍
Opening lines don't always do it for me. Sometimes I'll read the first couple pages and if it still doesn't catch my attention then I put it down generally
Podcast please
Hi, I’m a bit late but nevertheless I have a question: can a book start with an event I think the past that in its entirety leads to the inciting incident. In my book it starts with this sort of thing. It introduces a secondary conflict, the main character and tone, but doesn’t establish any fantasy elements or much of the current state of life. All of those things occur from page eleven onwards. Is that okay?