Starting at the Beginning

Working through my draft I was hoping that the ending would become clearer. But in looking for that I forgot the most important part – the beginning.

I had reworked the first few chapters but in sharing them with my critical friends I realised I was trying to put the beginning into the context of the rest of the story. I had forgotten what was important for the beginning.

The Hook – that instant or event that drags the reader in. I hadn’t started at the right place. I was trying to pull too much back story in too soon.

Compelling Character – introducing the character so that the reader wants to keep reading, wants to know more about them and what happens to them. I know my main character (we’ve been together some time now) but I didn’t have her in the best light.  Actually one member of the group asked if wanted to portray her as mentally disturbed – big problem.

Appropriate Support Cast – those characters that show the strengths and weaknesses of the main character and help move that story along. They help move the plot. My problem here is that the characters are going to change as my story starts in one world and moves to another. These first supporting characters need to be able to explain why she is prepared to leave this world.

Consistent – the writing, the style and the characters need to be consistent throughout the story. But the set up is here at the beginning. If the beginning is no good then the reader won’t read on.

Now my job is to take all the comments made, the knowledge of what does work and the thoughts and visions of my story and pull them together. To rework a beginning that will have my reader eager to turn the page.

Happy Scribbling