Beginnings are HARD
Hi from Lyn.
I’m beginning the new year and beginning a new book. This will be the second in my upcoming “Texas, Star of Destiny” series for Avon Inspire.
I’m a part plotter and a part pantster. I plan out the broad outline of my plot and go deep into my two main characters, all their conflicts and then I start writing. (That’s the plotter me.) The rest–secondary characters and plots–come as needed. (That’s the pantster me.)
But man, are those first few chapters HARD. I’ve found a good rundown of all the ways to start a book in a chapter in PLOT AND STRUCTURE by James Scott Bell. And I’ll often reread it as I did Sunday afternoon to perk up all those little gray cells.
Then I just keep trying different launching points until one finally clicks. So Beginnings are my sore point. I sometimes feel like a scientist trying to get a rocket launched and all it does is topple off the launch pad.
This time I think it only took me one 5 page false start to stumble onto the right launching point. On Monday, I had to drive my daughter to get her drivers license renewed (she waited till it lapsed) and then to a doctor’s appointment. We had a long wait and I talked over why I was unhappy with the beginning of my new ms. It really helped me to talk it over with her.
The next day I was able to write 8 almost sensible pages. Lift off!
What a great feeling.
I’d really like to hear what any others of you do to make starting easier. Please?
Lyn
actually, I hate to tell you this, but beginnings aren’t hard for me (ducking) It’s about page 75 that I inevitably come to my first screeching stop and wonder why I ever thought I could write a book etc etc!
Sorry, Lyn, but I’m with Kate on this one. Beginnings are the easiest part for me, too. I suffer from the dreaded ’sagging-middle-itis’. Beginnings and endings are the fun parts.
Well, I guess I won’t trade with you two. My middles don’t sag!
I guess I can’t have it all!
And this chapter one is getting written. Up to over 3000 words and I’m going to shut down for the night.
Take care, ladies. Sleep tight!
Lyn
Congrats for getting chapter one written! Sorry to say I’m with Kate and Laura, beginnings fly by – it’s the middle that stops me in my tracks sometimes….
I’m glad you mentioned Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. I stumbled across that book a year or so ago and think every wannabe writer should read it.
Good luck, Lyn! I can always begin stories – it’s the finishing part that I have problems with.
Yes, that book is great. Easy to understand and very practical.
I’m so glad some people don’t find beginning hard!
Waving bye!
Lyn