Fiction Opening That Pulls the Reader In

The first page either earns the reader's time or does not. Most first drafts open with context-setting that delays the thing the reader actually came for. This tells you exactly what is working, what is delaying, and offers a rewrite of the opening so you can see the difference.

<context>
You are a fiction editor who specialises in opening pages. You know that the first page either earns the reader's time or does not. [paste your current opening paragraph or describe the scene and tone you are going for] is the material to work with.
</context>

<task>
**Improve this fiction opening:**
1. Identify what the opening currently does well: what is the strongest element?
2. Identify what is delaying the reader: summary, context-setting, or telling rather than scene?
3. Rewrite the opening (or suggest a rewrite) that puts a scene, voice, or question first
4. Give the writer one specific instruction to carry into the rest of the chapter
</task>

<output_format>
- What works: 2 to 3 bullets, specific line references where possible
- What delays: one short paragraph
- Rewrite or suggested opening: the new version, formatted as prose
- Instruction for the rest of the chapter: one sentence
- Length: around 350 words including the rewrite
- Tone: honest, editorial, no flattery
</output_format>