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Episode 9: [WRITING CRAFT] Don't Do This in Your First Chapter
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This episode is Part 2 of a multi-week discussion of first chapter dos and don'ts. In this podcast episode, Stephanie and Elizabeth discuss common pitfalls and challenges in writing the first chapter of a book. They emphasize the importance of avoiding an overly slow opening, generic or cliched beginnings, overwritten prose, excessive descriptive detail, backstory or info dumping, a list-like structure, too many characters and places, false beginnings or bait and switch tactics, and shifting points of view. The hosts provide insights and advice on each of these challenges, highlighting the significance of engaging the reader, showing instead of telling, and maintaining consistency with the genre. They caution against manipulating reader expectations and suggest the importance of establishing the author's unique voice in the first chapter. Elizabeth and Stephanie wrap up the discussion with conversation around the merits of a prologue, when it might be necessary, and how a writer will know if they need one or not.
Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.
Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.
Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.
Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.
Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.
If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.
You can find us on Instagram and Threads
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By Stephanie Oswald, Ph.D. & Elizabeth Wilson
4.6
1010 ratings
Send a text
This episode is Part 2 of a multi-week discussion of first chapter dos and don'ts. In this podcast episode, Stephanie and Elizabeth discuss common pitfalls and challenges in writing the first chapter of a book. They emphasize the importance of avoiding an overly slow opening, generic or cliched beginnings, overwritten prose, excessive descriptive detail, backstory or info dumping, a list-like structure, too many characters and places, false beginnings or bait and switch tactics, and shifting points of view. The hosts provide insights and advice on each of these challenges, highlighting the significance of engaging the reader, showing instead of telling, and maintaining consistency with the genre. They caution against manipulating reader expectations and suggest the importance of establishing the author's unique voice in the first chapter. Elizabeth and Stephanie wrap up the discussion with conversation around the merits of a prologue, when it might be necessary, and how a writer will know if they need one or not.
Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.
Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.
Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.
Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.
Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.
If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.
You can find us on Instagram and Threads