In this episode of Writing to Win with Mya Kay, host Mya Kay teaches writers how to craft a powerful first chapter that immediately draws readers in and keeps them engaged.

After reflecting on the growth of the podcast and the decision to rebuild it with greater authenticity and obedience to God, Mya recaps the foundational lessons from the first three episodes—building a writing foundation, navigating the industry as a Black Christian woman, and outlining a book.

She then walks listeners through four key elements of a compelling first chapter, using both biblical examples (Genesis 1, John 1, Luke 1) and a detailed breakdown from her novel The Essence of His Soul. Mya shows writers how to start with action, reveal character through behavior, build intrigue without oversharing, and end with connection and curiosity.

She closes by challenging nonfiction writers to rethink how they approach their work, emphasizing that storytelling is just as essential in nonfiction as it is in fiction. Through a powerful real-life example, she demonstrates how to draw readers into transformation by starting with lived experience rather than simply presenting information.

Listeners will walk away with a clear, practical framework for writing first chapters that are engaging, intentional, and rooted in both craft and calling.

The Non-Fiction example starts at minute 24 and ends at minute 30.

Timestamps

• [0:00–02:00] – Why this season of the podcast feels different
• [02:00–06:00] – What the Bible teaches about strong beginnings
• [06:00–16:00] – The 4 keys to writing a powerful first chapter
• [16:00–End] – How to apply this to nonfiction writing

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