Quote:
Originally Posted by sportourer1
I have to agree, the number of people who have told me that my novel begins too slowly are legion. If it were a printed novel, I think the first violent clash of arms would take place on page 5/6. In those first pages the lead character is established and the histroical contex set but that is too slow for many modern readers - weird. As it is set in 1798 it must frustrate them that the central character has top travel at 7 miles an hour on a sailing boat.
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Sadly, you're right. Four pages establishing character and context is too much for modern readers. To succeed with modern audiences it's much better to start with a character in conflict and use that conflict to illuminate both character and setting.
Please note I'm not saying you need violence on page one - I'm suggesting that you introduce a dramatic conflict and start ratcheting up the tension as early as possible.
In modern fiction it's best to give us a reason to care about the character before you've finished introducing them. It gives readers with short attention spans a reason to turn the page.