Great tips. Like you, my experience includes freelance newspaper writing. One day, my editor called to say that she thought my article really started on paragraph four. I thought: Ha! I teach this stuff about a “take off” start. You can’t tell me that I dawdled for three paragraphs!” When I open my doc, I could see right on my screen that she was…RIGHT! I had done warm up exercises that the reader did not need—or want.
This was incredibly fascinating and enlightening. I love the way you said that writers need to warm up or clear their throat, so to speak. Thanks for sharing.
I found this discussion about the first few pages very helpful. Is it possible to copy and paste it into my Beverly Abear, Author/Artist Facebook page?
Ps: I was on Madeline island with you around 2010! Presently working on a middle-grade series. On the 3rd book my editor told me I needed to start about 2/3 of the way into the original book. Thank you for your wise, practical advice.
Awesome and actionable advice! I had a long 5 pages about how my main character met his wife in the first chapter and on reread went no thank you! Get me back to their fight!
This happened to me. The first chapter was buried in the fourth chapter before I discovered it half a book later. After ruthless edits and many rewrites a first chapter that grips the reader's attention emerged.
Great tips. Like you, my experience includes freelance newspaper writing. One day, my editor called to say that she thought my article really started on paragraph four. I thought: Ha! I teach this stuff about a “take off” start. You can’t tell me that I dawdled for three paragraphs!” When I open my doc, I could see right on my screen that she was…RIGHT! I had done warm up exercises that the reader did not need—or want.
Great story, Denis. Ain’t it the truth. Even with experienced folks. Thanks for commenting!
This was incredibly fascinating and enlightening. I love the way you said that writers need to warm up or clear their throat, so to speak. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, BEE! Glad it was useful.
You’re welcome!
I found this discussion about the first few pages very helpful. Is it possible to copy and paste it into my Beverly Abear, Author/Artist Facebook page?
Ps: I was on Madeline island with you around 2010! Presently working on a middle-grade series. On the 3rd book my editor told me I needed to start about 2/3 of the way into the original book. Thank you for your wise, practical advice.
Thanks, Bev! So glad it's helpful. I remember our MISA week. Great time!
Yes, you can use the link to share, if you want. I think it would be this: https://marycarrollmoore.substack.com/p/creating-better-tension-point-1-external
Just copy and paste to your FB page.
Awesome and actionable advice! I had a long 5 pages about how my main character met his wife in the first chapter and on reread went no thank you! Get me back to their fight!
Yes! Go for it, Lila. Glad it was useful!
This happened to me. The first chapter was buried in the fourth chapter before I discovered it half a book later. After ruthless edits and many rewrites a first chapter that grips the reader's attention emerged.
Very cool, Heidi. Ruthless edits are my discovery path too!