Figuring out where to start

[pegkerr]

I sat down for my writing hour and was dry as a bone. Nothing. Nada.

Today, I was trying to think of exactly where to start the book from the point that Solveig is an adult--after the first chapter I've already written, where she's a child and falls through the ice. Beginnings are always tough. So where exactly do I start? I sat and thought about it, and couldn't frame a single sentence.

This is annoying, but I'm not panicking about it, because I KNOW from previous experience with my last two books that this question is always particularly troublesome. I think that figuring out the openings of my last two books took about a week, each time. And much flailing around.

Gotta dash to work.

Peg

Comments

[skg.livejournal.com]

Not to compare myself (as I am a rank amateur), but [to compare my situation :o)] I was having the same problem. My beginning wasn't working--no hook, not interesting, and I couldn't come up with a darn thing.

So I put it aside for three weeks. Then last night, I was looking through a book called "Beginnings, Middles and Ends" (find it here), and it sparked an idea. Now I am cutting a big chunk that I thought would be my beginning, and rewriting a later bit that makes a good beginning.

So I sympathize and confirm your non-panic. It will come.

Sarah :o)

[perimyndith.livejournal.com]

"Beginnings, Middles & Ends" is my current favorite writing book. When I get stuck or panic about what to write next or I just have a few spare minutes I whip it out and read. I don't think it has any advice that's completely new, but it's well and clearly written.

(The Courage to Write is also a pretty good book to read when having a writing panic, though it focuses on literary fiction.)

[perimyndith.livejournal.com]

I can always do the beginning of a story. After that I panic. It's sort of like being a cartoon character who's walked off a cliff and doesn't realize it yet. Scene one is the walking on air part; scene two or three is where the plummetting and the screaming begin.

Of course, I am also a rank amateur, but this seems to be a matter of personal writing style rather than of one's level of experience.