July 17, 2013

The Hardest Part of Starting a Book

Ah, starting a new book!  It's a wonderfully blissful feeling...crafting a new story that will (I hope) keep readers turning the pages.  Such joy as I exercise my creativity.  Possibilities are endless.  Who knows, maybe this will be the title that turns the page of my career from modestly successful to overnight sensation (one can always dream, and what's more, one should).

Sitting down, fingers poised over the keyboard, studying the scenes I've laid out, I start to work on the first scene.

The next day I change it.

The day after I change it again.

I find that I can easily rewrite my opening chapter a half dozen times.  There has to be a perfect balance...not too heavy on the narrative...don't introduce too many characters...and above all, keep the reader wanting to turn the pages.  It can be astoundingly difficult to capture just the right structure.

Writing the end is a cinch.  Writing the middle isn't bad.  But writing the beginning is torture.

What's the hardest part of a project for you?
Posted by bettye griffin at 1:00 AM
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3 comments:

Djamesonsmith said...

I only have one WIP...and I started it so very, very long ago, I'm not sure if I actually had a hard time starting it, but like you, I found myself editing and re-editing. That is, until I read somewhere to NOT do that. After that, (except for life getting in the way...a lot), my characters picked it up and just ran with it. Occasionally, I redirect to keep them on the right path.

I think for me, the hardest part of a project is the end. That final resolution. My characters do not want the adventures to end. Nor do I. There are resolutions, but not "The Resolution". We've been in negotiations over this for some time now. The consensus is, small resolutions equal a book for the series. So, I've got three books -- and no end in sight.

There must come a time for the Final Resolution...but not for a while yet. We're having too much fun. (The first book will come out this fall.)

July 19, 2013
Ey Wade said...

I think rhe middle ties me in knots.

July 19, 2013
bettye griffin said...

I think a lot of folks have problems with the middle, Ey. Debra, it sounds like you're having lots of fun! I found an opening I'm satisfied with...at least for now!

July 23, 2013

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