When embarking on a project, things don't always go as planned. I have reached and, hopefully overcome, the first of these speed bumps. Chapter one, yes chapter one, wasn't working right. A kind and intuitive read and critique group offered me criticism that both identified what was wrong and shed some light on what was off about it. But what happens when the foundation of something is unstable? Well, I was paralyzed. Unable to move past the first few sentences of chapter three was a huge hit to my ego. I've written this before. I know what happens next. I know who I want these characters to be.
Instinctually, I knew that my foundation was broken, so I talked about. I talked to writer friend about what I wanted to have happen in chapter 3, but didn't have a clear set-up for. She offered priceless advice…move the action up! I forget sometimes that the first chapter has so much work to do. Another friend told me that the first chapter will get revised and rewritten more than any other…make it count. Those moments of action, hints of conflict, drops of foreshadowing that make it more fun to write also make it more fun to read. Just because setting details, character details, plot details, and world building details need to be included doesn't mean they can't be subtle and artfully woven into the action. This is hard work…don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But if you get the chance to read it out loud to people who don't inherently love you…you will be a better writer for it! And if you need help finding those people, I can help.