When should I introduce the main action in my book?

[Katkin]

I'm writing a book and I'm 7,347 words in at the moment. I wondering how long I should wait before introducing the main action?
I never know how long to wait before putting it in!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[The Dark Knight.]

Put it in whenever it is best for the story. You might want to draw it out a bit, but not too much or else the reader will get bored and might not want to read on. Unless you make the first bit interesting. But just put it whenever it seems like the right time - just don't do it too late!
Hope I could help =)

 

[bookworm21]

i have read some mystery books that didnt introduce the main character until chapters after the book started. i get a little antsy waiting for the main character to show up, but if it works in your book than dont change it.

 

[goldenthread]

Right away, grab em, and keep em.

 

[I amErica]

whenever is right for your book. if you think you have introduced the characters and the setting fully, then any time is good. you dont want you readers to say "its great, but you have to read the first 100 pages before it gets good"

you can even start in medias res, as long as the reader knows what is going on.

 

[tomboy]

When writing, you want to introduce exciting things asap. Keep the reader on the edge of their seats. HOWEVER. You don't want to start it TOO early or else it's not so big a deal. I'd say, from the point your at, you should bring it up pretty soon, and of course, throughout the rest of the story, use the action here and there.

answer mine?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100116095237AAFURCG&r=w

 

[Joss]

Put it in it's logical place. If you try to force it into a spot that it doesn't really fit then you run the risk of it seeming contrived. My advice is to write the story until you write the words THE END. Then go back and rewrite whatever needs to be rewritten. Your main goal should be to complete the storyline, and then go back and edit as much as you need to. Remember, this is only the first draft, and it might go through several drafts before it's as perfect as you're gonna get it. I stress completing the storyline because most people who try to write novels will never finish. It's not as easy as they think and they get caught up in editing and trying to make it perfect on it's first go-around. Don't do that or you'll become frustrated and might end up quitting.

When writing you should introduce some kind of conflict or tension within the opening paragraphs. It doesn't have to be an action scene or the main action. I certainly don't expect the main action to unfold within the first chapter. You can always give the reader a hint of what's to come. For my sci-fi story about alien abduction, I introduce the conflict by having a child disappear out of thin air and then having my character seeing a dark figure running toward the woods, but he's not sure what the figure is and dismisses it. That's the conflict I've introduced in the first two or three pages. I don't begin to unfold the main plot until the very end of the first chapter. But, conflict and tension can be anything, including an argument between your characters or having a character loose something important. Re-read the first two chapters of your favorite books and see how they start off. See where the author inserts some minor conflict or tension - look for the things that make you want to keep reading. I'm currently reading Harry Potter, and I've read the first chapter, and the author has tension from the very beginning by having the characters worry about whether the Potters are in town. It also has tension by showing how angry the father is and how scared he is to tell his wife that he thinks the Potters are in town.

I also suggest you start reading some writing websites that will give you advice on how novels are written. http://www.writersdigest.com is a good place to start; it has lots of articles for aspiring authors.

 

[Anomaly]

If it is long drawn out action, you can introduce it now, but if it's a climax like a battle or pressing the big red button, I would wait until about 2/3 of the way through.
Also, it really depends on how long your story is! If you're still in the first 1/3, length-wise, then wait, but anytime around half-way or later is a good time in my opinion.
Hope this helps and keep writing!

 

[Natie]

I think it's personal preference. I'm 11k pgs in & I've already written 2 action scenes. I, personally, don't like dull books. I enjoy reading books with a lot of wit, description, and action so that's what I write.
-Hope this helps & good luck!
P.S. - Have you ever considered posting part of your work on here? I would love to read what your stories about!