I also have trouble figuring out how to start & end my chapters. Using an outline helps so much. (I'm going to try my best & explain this. I am sick & my brain is not braining.)
𓆥 Chapter One
The first chapter should always include the exposition. The exposition is all about setting the stage. The reader (or audience) should get an idea of who your protagonist is, what their everyday life is like, and what's important to them. What flaws do they have? What's missing from their life? What do they want more than anything in the world?
Ordinary world, empathy, conflict. Show flaw and lack. Want, Problem, Need.
Also, the location, the setting, conflict, & the overall mood & atmosphere.
Example:
Location: Main Character's job, school or home.
Scene 1
Conflict: Main character is stuck at work, it is busy and he needs to go last minute Christmas shopping.
See: Busy shoppers
Touch: Clothes, money, etc.
Hear: Shoppers, complaints, work friend talking, cash register, etc.
I don't include all of the 5 senses unless it's really necessary.
I repeat this for 3 scenes since that is how I always split my chapters up.
The first chapter could also include an inciting incident something big changes. Maybe a stranger moves to town, or a family member dies, or there's an earthquake. What happens? How does your MC react? Do they accept this call to adventure right away, or try to ignore/deny what's happening so everything can just go back to normal?
Start with a hook, something that compels the reader to continue reading. That can be dialogue, sound or just some crazy description.
Experiment with cliffhangers, revelations or questions to create engagement and ensure a seamless flow between chapters. The inciting incident doesn't always have to be in the first chapter, usually it happens in the second chapter.
Hopefully this makes sense & it helps!
