Where do you start a story?
This it seems, is the first thing which many people decide to do first. Find a point in which to tell your tale, it would seem best to start at a beginning… But, this is not always the best place to start. A prologue! I hear you cry… Nope, not all tales need one. Back story (History of Peoples or Events), maybe there is room for one. But this is still not the best place to start.
The best place to start your tale is… Just where you feel it should start.
Now this sounds like a cheap cop out, but it is not.
I started my book with no thought as to where it would go, nor had I any idea of a back story. It was after I had established some characters and places that, I really did not know why these events that took place, were actually having an impact. Why did Geldrid have to find his friend, and if he did, why was “he” so important? What was he (Geldrid) fearing? How will this drive the next chapters?
And so, the back story began, the need to explain his importance to get to his friend. And many other things too!
I did not notice at the time, but I was actually writing a back story as I wrote the chapters…
So, this it seemed, prompted me to re-write, the first chapter. But I soon saw that the first chapter was evolving into something that, I, still did not feel was a start.
A few months later, and another two opening chapters…
I settled down to read my work. It was going well until, I realized that I had written my starting chapter. I was amazed! Chapter 1 was there on my screen. What appeared to be my second chapter, was just a short edit away from being my opening pages.
Starting a tale can, but mostly wont happen until you get so far into telling your tale. What you may see at first as being chapter 1, will most likely be chapter three or four.
And this is just a beginning… No! No, this is your sales pitch!
Chapter 1, is what sells your tale to the reader/publisher.
This must be polished, and presented well (like the whole book). Most people know if they will buy your book from the first few lines. Grab them!This is why your first chapter, wont actually be the first chapter you write. You will gain confidence as you write, thus turning better work out, and setting your world up. It is in “this” world that you will find your start.
Once you find your start, then you must finish your tale…
How did you find your start, what made you choose to start at that particular point, and would you share it with us here?
If you will share your start, just the opening paragraph will do.Come, join in the fantasy and discuss.
