This is probably the hardest part of writing a book for me, apart from writing the synopsis which comes afterwards. The opening chapter is quite scary. I don't know my characters that well yet. I've thought about them. I probably have a profile about them. I even know their story - both their back story and what is about to happen to them. But we don't have the same connection we will 80,000+ words later.
Later on, when I'm in the swing of things, I'll power through. It won't be plain sailing but I won't agonise over every word like I do in the opening chapter, when I'm staring at an almost blank page and trying my hardest to make it perfect (which it won't be, not at this stage).
Do you dither over the opening chapter like me? Or do you just fly through it? (and if you do, HOW???)
Now this is interesting, I can manage the opening chapter - it's the subsequent ones I struggle with.
ReplyDeleteI just love the freshness of a new page, new start etc...
We should work together - you start and I'll finish.
DeleteI'm like Donna. I'm enthusiastic about finding out about these people and what's going on. I tend to hit a slump towards the middle!
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one then?
DeleteOh no, I'm a great big weirdo.
I don't worry too much about the opening chapter because I know it will be tweaked or changed later on. Middles are more problem. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy A-Z!
I am the odd one out!
DeleteI write the first chapter, or even paragraph knowing I'll come back and change something. But I'm just like you. I worry at it until it feels right. Even if the rest of the novel is done, I still go back and check that opening. I posted about opening also, @ http://www.celticadlx.blogspot.com if you'd like to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI guess it comes down to the whole first impressions thing. If the beginning is rubbish, why would anyone read on?
DeleteThe first couple pages of each book I write has more time spent on revisions than the rest of the work combined. I don't know why that is, it just is.
ReplyDeleteAt least I'm not the only one who worries so much about it!
DeleteI love the opening chapter! I've already spent so long on planning the beginning, I'm excited and loving the fact that I've started. It's a few chapters down the line ... that's where I am - stuck!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you manage to get yourself unstuck. Writing can be so frustrating at times.
DeleteI can SOOO relate to this. I knock out my first chapter and inevitably my chapter 3 or 4 usually lands up being my chapter 1 in the long run. Still takes me a while to realise that the start of my book is really about 30 pages in!
ReplyDeleteOoh, that's not a bad idea actually. If I start earlier than intended, I may just be in the swing of things by the time I reach the beginning. Something to think about.
DeleteI used to worry about beginnings. Now I just make a start knowing I'm going to have to come back and fix up the opening chapter. I write better once I have relaxed and the words are flowing. I think you make a good point about not knowing the characters so well at the beginning. For me , it is inevitable that the beginning of a story is the worst bit. Always needs lots of later work!
ReplyDeleteI should just power through like I do with the rest of the book because I have to go back to work on it for the second draft anyway.
DeleteI have a friend who writes out of order. I think this would help with the not knowing your characters part of writing those opening chapters, but I just can't do it. I have to start with that scary, terrifying opening. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(From Sarah, With Joy)
I've never tried it but I don't think I could write out of order.
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