Etrian Odyssey Q&A Edition

How to Write a Beginning?

anonymous asked:

Any tips on writing the first chapter of a fanfic or the beginning of a drabble? I've seen people struggle with starting fics and I was wondering if you had any tips or tricks!

I honestly have a bit of a headache right now, but I really want to answer this ask because it's really a good question~

Writing the first chapter to a series or the beginning of a oneshot is something I still struggle with myself! I don't know how useful my tips will be, but I'll give it a shot :D Again, I feel the need to point out this is how I do things; it may not work for everyone.

Ok, let's start with writing a novel. I've answered several asks about tips for starting fanfic series before, so I'll just launch into the writing process of the first chapter. (here, here, and masterlist here)

The first chapter of any series/novel should be used as an introduction to the world setting and the main character's motivation and role in the story. Who, what, and where. Who is the main character and their current supporting cast? What is their purpose or role? What is their goal? Where is the story set? The first chapter doesn't need to reveal the main premise of the plot and most certainly shouldn't have to introduce the entire cast. Don't introduce your characters all at once. Introduce them one or two at a time. Give the reader the chance to know them.

For example, the first chapter to Cease the Suffering introduced Lynus as the main character and revealed his circumstances of where he was, how he got there, and what his goal was and what was motivating him to keep reaching for his goal. It also revealed a mere fraction of the CtS cast. The chapter wasn't excruciatingly long and it most certainly didn't reveal the entire cast or premise of CtS. It didn't have to. A lot of authors try to shove too much information into the first chapter. That isn't necessary. Don't stress yourself out about not including every detail of this novel's universe. Everything will be revealed in time.

Another example is the first chapter to A Learning Experience. It introduced Varuna, his circumstances of living a life of a sheltered researcher, how he adores his brothers, confused by his missing memories, and wishing for more purpose for his life. The chapter ends with Bryce and his guild asking Varuna to join them. The ideal way to launch into a story, right? The first chapter gave the reader the basics of what they needed to know to ready themselves for the adventure to come. They didn't need to know everything from the very beginning.

I've read too many stories where a large cast is introduced in one chapter. Too many names and faces to remember, and the blasé approach to their introductions gave me no reason to bother remembering any of them. So take it slow - even if it takes 15 chapters to introduce everyone, that's completely fine. Although do try to introduce them in a way that helps the story progress if you can.

In short, the first chapter should be used as an introduction of main character (the one whose pov the story is mostly written from) and their purpose/roles. Everything else you want to include can happen after that.

Now, when it comes to writing oneshots or drabbles, the focus should be on the characters and the plot, rather than the world setting or premise. Don't waste a thousand words describing in exact detail the setting of the fic. The intro into the oneshot should be one or two paragraph tops. Get to the point; bring in the characters, briefly introduce them, let their interactions with each other set the scene. Throw in a few basic details of their surroundings and motivations if desire. But remember, a drabble or oneshot is a short story. Make the theme/plot of the story short and to the point. Place the focus on the characters, not the world setting.

You want to write your characters going on a date, then launch straight into it. Start the fic with them heading off for their date or one of the characters waiting nervously at their meet up point. Have a paragraph shortly detailing how they got to that point, but have your characters tell the rest of the story.

I still find writing the beginning of a oneshot somewhat of a chore. I usually get to the point first and then when I'm done writing what scene/theme I set out to do, then I work on the beginning. So, yeah, I write the start of the fic last sometimes. And that's fine! You don't have to write the scenes in order. You don't have to write from start to finish. Write the scenes you really want to write; the sweet fluffy scenes or fast paced actions scenes. Whatever you want to write first, do it. The ending and beginning can sometimes only be written when you have a firm grasp of what it is you're trying to relay across in your works.

So in short; for oneshots;

•Get straight to the point

•Don't try to shove in too many details

•Keep the cast small

•Focus on the main theme/premise

For first chapters;

•Use the first chapter as an introduction to the main character

•Introduce the world setting

•Reveal main character's current motivations and purpose

•You don't have to reveal every detail of the premise

•Don't try to reveal the entire cast or plot

When starting a novel or oneshot, keep things simple. Reveal only important details. Write to entertain, not bore with mindless details.

I hope that answers your question!