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!
The answer is to write.
Stop worrying and just write. As long as you write, then you will have something to look at and then think and decide about. You might even end up changing the first chapter with another chapter that creates more suspense or hooks the reader in. It is not uncommon to write some chapters and then to switch them around accordingly..
The start is always difficult, but once you push passed that, it should start to flow.
You might even go back and rewrite the beginning once you have the subsequent chapters, and know where the story is really going. A lot can happen and change while writing, even if you have a plan. Happened to me on all the stories I tried to write, something unexpected, a turn I didn’t see comes up and changes everything.
It is a fun process, and you will edit it plenty of times before you reach the final version. The mistake is that we fear to write because it won’t be perfect, of course it won’t be. It is expected to go back and fix it afterwards, so write something, anything, and then you can better choose and decide.
It takes time to get into the flow but once in good things happen. The beginning can so often be the end. In a way titles form as the body of text is written. by the way I like - it was a single truth in a week full of lies -. Can't argue with a start like that.
Start either before or after your intended beginning and just keep writing. Then come back and address the beginning later. I assure you it will change anyway, even if you do write something now that you are happy with. I was perfectly happy with my original first sentence but was told it was long-winded and annoying. Charming! I ended up with this.
It was a single truth in a week full of lies.
Incidently, I have the same problem with the beginning of my next project. I've chosen to ignore the rubbish I've written and keep going, returning for a rewrite of the first few pages at a later date.