How to Write a Captivating First Paragraph
Today we welcome Katy Kauffman as our guest blogger.
By Katy Kauffman
By Katy Kauffman
A captivating first paragraph draws readers into your world of
ideas and principles, stories and lessons. Whether you’re writing a memoir, a
devotional, a Bible study, a Christian living book, or any other kind of
nonfiction book, craft a first paragraph that wows readers and makes them want
to step into your “world.” Here’s how.
Write
tight.
Don’t bog your readers down with too much detail in the first
paragraph. This is your chance to open the door that looks into your world of
ideas. Don’t make the door too heavy to budge.
Show, don’t
tell.
Don’t tell them that they need your book—share a story that
illustrates why they do. Or give an alarming statistic. Include a picture of
the people you’re writing about. Let your readers “see” with their mind’s eye
why they need to keep reading your book.
Be an
artist.
As you paint a picture of why potential readers should buy
your book, use the best colors. Pick vibrant words to make your point. Use bold
strokes to get their attention when needed, and finish the paragraph with
subtle movements to keep them reading. Don’t give away everything in the first
paragraph, but gently point them to the next one. Keep them moving through your
world of illustrations and ideas.
Engage
the mind, and touch the heart.
When people consider buying a nonfiction book, they are probably
wanting to deepen their knowledge of a particular subject. So engage their
brains. But don’t forget to engage their hearts. People are often motivated to
action because they sympathize with a need, hate an injustice, worry about a
problem, or love a cause. Connect with their minds and their hearts as you introduce your subject. You will probably
need your whole first page to do this, but get started in the first paragraph
as you share a story, give an alarming statistic, or ask a thought-provoking question.
Use the
most effective voice.
What voice, or style of writing, best suits your purposes? If
you’re seeking to warn, find the wording that acts as a wake-up call to the
reader. If your purpose is to encourage, write as though you are speaking to a
friend. If you’re sharing a story to begin your book, be the narrator that
peers into the lives of the people you’re describing and unfolds the plot layer
by layer. Choose the right voice that will appeal to your target audience and
will effectively deliver your message.
Which of these 5 elements would you like to see in a book’s
first paragraph? Which appeals the most to you? Share in the comments below,
and happy writing.
A captivating first paragraph—never write a book without it!
(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/David Castillo Dominici and nanetus.)
TWEETABLES
Via @KatyKauffman28 shows us how to craft a first paragraph that wows the reader. (Click to tweet.)
A captivating first paragraph—never write a book without it! (Click to tweet.)
A captivating first paragraph—never write a book without it! (Click to tweet.)
Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of
Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a
co-founder of Lighthouse Bible
Studies. She has taught the Bible to women and teens, and her Bible studies
focus on winning life’s spiritual battles. Katy is a regular contributor to the
Write Conversation and to two websites for young women. Connect with her at her
blog, Life with God, and on Facebook.
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