First Chapters

[JenNipps]

OK, this might be a stupid question....

How long should a first chapter be? Right now, I'm only at 6 typed double-spaced pages. It could be the end of a chapter. It would be a good place, actually. I could add more after it or before it.

Chances are I won't change it immediately, but will instead make a note to myself and go back and make changes when I'm done with the first draft.

[DamaNegra]

If it's a good place to end it, then do it.

[Cheryll]

I've seen first chapters that were 50+ pages and I've seen some that were only 1 page.

It all depends on your story. Tell what needs to be told and then find a good stopping point and go on to Chapter 2. :)

Cheryll

[blacbird]

There is no "should". There is only "that which works".

Or, in my case, "that which doesn't work".

caw.

[Jamesaritchie]

OK, this might be a stupid question....

How long should a first chapter be?

Just long enough to reach the end.

[maestrowork]

One page, 20 pages, 40 pages... as long as it's a good chapter and it ends where it should, I don't see any problems. Personally, however, I would prefer anything less than 15 (print) pages.

[Julie Worth]

How long should a first chapter be? ...I could add more after it or before it.

That’s one you don't want to pad...not that you want to pad any of them. The first chapter of my previous book was 10 ms pages until an agent said it was too long, too unfocused. I went in with a machete and now it's a 5-page prologue, much tighter and considerably better. The average for the rest of the book is 12.

[JenNipps]

Thanks, everybody. :)

After I posted last night, I logged off not long after and as I was getting ready to turn in for the night, I realized it's not completely finished as a chapter yet. There's still something that's pretty key to Erin's (POV character) inner conflict(s) that I need to include.

[Sentia]

I like first chapters to be short and intense, something to whet my appetite for the main course coming up. It's like going to a restaurant and, while waiting on your food, you nibble on the appetizer. If it's good, you anticipate a delicious meal. If not, perhaps you stop right there and decide to go to another restaurant.

Or maybe I just have chapter deficit disorder. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Nexusman]

First chapters should be long enough to drag the reader into the story and keep them interested.

-Nick

[Darkest_Star]

Your story will determine the end of your chapters, not page numbers or word counts. The first chapter is very important though. I agree with a lot of what has already been said. Make sure there's enough to draw the reader into your story but don't drag it out.