Hi, so, I've been working on and planning and idea for a few weeks now, and I'm happy enough with the idea I've come up with, I think it is something I can really work with. I know where I want to go with it, etc, However I'm having extreme diffuclty trying to write the first paragraph. I want something that really going to draw the reader in and something thats either going to get them thinking or something that will make them want to continue reading. Only problem is I'm having a severe block at the moment. Any advice, help or ideas? Would really be appreicated!
Louise - Yeah Thank you, I think you're right, I have left the beginning for now and started on a diffrent scene, one I find very easy to do!! So thank you!
Victoria - Thanks, that's what I've done, started after my intended beginning and I've actually started making some progress with it!! Oh, I love that beginning - It was a single truth in a week full of lies, I think it's great, short snappy, and draws the reader in!
Jean - I totally agree, still haven't thought of a beginning yet, but it takes time and I want it to be meaninful! So thank you.
Christopher - Ah, you've hit the nail on the head there! I was nervous about starting because I was worried it wouldn't be perfect, but of course you're right, it's not going to be! I've done what you said though, I stop worrying about wanting it to be perfect and just started writing, I've actually made some progress! So Thank you! :)
Isabella - Yes, that's what I had to do, write out of order, I started last night, and I wrote a scene, not sure where it is going to go yet but I'm pretty pleased with it. Thanks.
Penny - Thanks you're right just got to jump in and start writing!! :)
Adrian - I agree I want the beginning to be meaninful, but I also want something dramatic to draw the reader in, Thank you for the examples! I think I might be veering towards using dialogue as my opening paragraph, so thanks!
T.O - Hi, :) Thanks, yes I am new, but no it's not my first book, I've had many failed attempts in the past at writing stories, I always seem to get started but I can never finish any of them, I'm hoping with this new one I have started it will be diffrent and I will actually get some where with it. I seem to have a feeling about this one, I think it might be right for me! Thank you for the advice! I shall bear it in mind.
I just want to say thanks to all of you, I really appreciate the help, and I've now made a bit of progress, it's only small but I've got somewhere at least! So thank you!
Hello Terri (and be welcome as I've never seen you in W&A before :] )
Is it your first book? If so, I understand your difficulty.
When our "Once upon a time" does not come up even after the story is done we begin to feel anxious and restless. But don't worry about that, as your characters and stories came with inspiration, the same goes to your first paragraph. Wait for it. It will appear soon. But do not force yourself to write something in a sloppy way just to go on with your project as faster as possible. Writing is also about being patient - never forget this.
Good luck.
Thank you, Jean-Marc and Isabella. It only took me four years to perfect that! Good to hear it actually works.