Book Quote by C.S. Lewis
““I have tried so to write the first chapter that those who can't bear such a story will see at once what they are in for and close the book with the least waste of time.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Screwtape Letters, 1942
The author warns that a poorly crafted opening can deter readers, urging careful, engaging beginnings.
In simple terms: Bad starts waste readers' time.
Key Takeaway
Craft compelling openings.
Themes
writing
reader engagement
literature
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
creative
instructional
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- short stories
- screenplays
- blog posts
Key Concepts
narrative structure
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes an opening irresistible?
- How can you test a chapter's hook?
A Different Perspective
A strong start may not guarantee sustained interest.
![“I had intended to make another film, called Pocket Money, which was to be about children at a school. I was very much intrigued by the story [of Close Up] - it came into my dreams and I was very much influenced by it. So I called my producer and asked that we put aside Pocket Money and start…” quote by Abbas Kiarostami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f97/abbas-kiarostami-2631_children_i-had-intended-to-make-another-film-call_407453.jpg)
![“When it's going well [writing] goes terribly fast. It isn't at all surprising to write a chapter in a day, which for me is about twenty-two pages. When it's going badly, it isn't really going badly; it's just the beginning.” quote by John le Carre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/917/john-le-carre-651_chapters_when-it-s-going-well-writing-goes-terrib_601245.jpg)
