If there is one thing that I have always found with the books I've written (and those I still have to write), it is that the first three chapters are ALWAYS my favourite.
At the moment 'What Happens In Ireland' is just sitting on my desktop, 'Deceive Me in Ireland' is begging to be finished and yet... I can't help but write the first chapter of my latest Rural Romance.
I encountered this need at the beginning of the year as well and of course, I couldn't ignore it. With the aim of writing a short story for the Little Gem competition, I actually ended up writing the first chapter of a historical. And the next two... Until my priorities returned.
So, I think I have a little thing for the first three chapters. I love it when my characters meet, when true identities are revealed, when lies are exposed and when the attraction is just beginning. It is the beginning of my characters. They are growing as the words flow and they take shape in my head. The first three chapters really are the funnest chapters to play with!
Don't get me wrong, I love the middle, the end and all those wonderful bits inbetween but I think the first meeting is important.
Do you love writing the first three chapters? What's your favourite part of the writing process?
W
Hi Whitney, I'm currenty editing my debut novel (out May) and it kinda has 4 beginnings, four middles and four ends - well five if you count the big reveal. I have written A House For All Seasons in 4 parts with 4 different POVs. So I do feel spoilt with all those yummy beginnings in one book.
ReplyDeleteYou soulnd like you might have the makings of a good short story author too. Give Little Gems a go. It's saphhire in 2013.
You are lucky. What an inventive structure.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I am not very good at keeping to work counts lol. My novels have always been over 100k in a rough draft. Shorts are very difficult for me.
I'd love to give the little Gems a go this year though. If I don't write a short, it will definitely be a new novel lol.
Thanks for stopping by Jenn.
W