Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults
Many organizations that offer contests have a
rubric that their first readers are often given to judge quality, using numbers
one to five with five as the highest. Then the highest scored entries are
passed along to the final judges. The basic intent is to identify the “catch”
of the opening chapter, regardless of genre.
Also there is more than one reader per entry
so it’s the total score that moves forward. As readers we all have inherent
desires for any story we read. Some want deep character angst, some are more
engaged by action or setting or curiosity. So the same first chapter could have
high marks from one reader and low from another in the same box.
After participating as a preliminary judge
for several years I decided to develop my own introductory analysis for my
clients as an general overview first step. Not every category may be relevant
for an immediate first chapter, depending on genre and depth of subject, but
they should all be clarified by the end of the novel opening—which is usually
by the third chapter.
Or for young readers many of these may need
to be clarified within the first few sentences or paragraphs. The main purpose is to establish
what the first impressions are. Is the reader connecting to the character or
dilemma or possibilities? And do they want to read on when the chapter ends?
That is the crux.
So go ahead and apply this outline to the
whole chapter of Attack, or to an opening chapter in a book you are now
reading.
Share: According to this overview do
you think there are any holes in this opening chapter than should have been
addressed or clarified? What makes you want to read on? Or not?
Read deep, marcy
First Chapter Analysis Guideline, by Marcy Weydemuller
Opening First Impression
Story Writing Strengths
Story Writing Weaknesses
Delivery Strengths
Delivery Weaknesses
Story Question
Main Character
Setting
Time
Place
Season
Atmosphere
Genre Specifics
Read On?
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