Beginnings (883 words)

[allmywires]

Originally Posted by Warren_Paul

Might want to be one of the first things that's noted then?

When I say a little later on, it's literally two paragraphs on from the end of this I don't like keep pressing it though because otherwise it becomes obvious what it is, and while I'd like people to be able to guess before it's revealed, I don't want them rolling their eyes at the obviousness of it.

Originally Posted by RJM Corbet

Thud.

Something like that? It's just an experimental tightening up of your central and powerful image of the blind tiger a few feet away from her. I believe you may surprise yourself at how powerful the final draft is really going to be, if you put it aside for a while and go on with the rest of the story and then come back to this part later?

It's a really strong image, but I think you can still work on the power of it? However I don't know if you should start changing it too much right now? You have your own style. File your crits and get on with the rest of the story?

Beautiful idea: the blind white tiger ...

Thanks RJM, I've just been going over the beginning of my book and wanted to get that sorted before I carry on from where I left off (about 1/3 of the way through as it stands).

[RJM Corbet]

Originally Posted by allmywires

... Thanks RJM, I've just been going over the beginning of my book and wanted to get that sorted before I carry on from where I left off (about 1/3 of the way through as it stands).

Then (in my unasked for opinion) absolutely definitely leave the start alone and go on with the body of the book. You've captured the idea. Refining it is the (comparatively) easy part. I really believe you should be plunging on with the rest of the narrative now allmy.

And thank you ...

[allmywires]

Originally Posted by RJM Corbet

Then (in my unasked for opinion) absolutely definitely leave the start alone and go on with the body of the book. You've captured the idea. Refining it is the (comparatively) easy part. I really believe you should be plunging on with the rest of the narrative now allmy.

And thank you ...

I know...I'm terrible about this sort of thing. I get a reasonable way through, then get scared my beginning isn't good enough and go mess it up. Probably why I've only ever finished one piece of work in >5 years!

[RJM Corbet]

Originally Posted by allmywires

I know...I'm terrible about this sort of thing. I get a reasonable way through, then get scared my beginning isn't good enough and go mess it up. Probably why I've only ever finished one piece of work in >5 years!

Especially when you let people read it, and they all have opposite opinions?

But I know, I understand completely. In a way however, it's going to be a whole lot easier cutting and pasting and breaking up info dumps etc, when you have basically the whole text complete, at least in skeleton or maybe the opposite, that it's too bulky and needs cutting. Probably both. You may write the same scene from six different angles. Doesn't matter. It's all grist for the mill?

I do believe it's often a mistake to go back and fiddle around with the beginning before you've reached the end though. I really do. The end is your purpose and your destination. Then you can crack a bottle of champagne and play around with the complete text as much as you like? New characters may create themselves. Things are probably going to happen you don't even know about yet ...

[allmywires]

Originally Posted by RJM Corbet

Especially when you let people read it, and they all have opposite opinions?

Or they're all too kind! I'd much rather read concrit that pointless fawning.

Originally Posted by RJM Corbet

I do believe it's often a mistake to go back and fiddle around with the beginning before you've reached the end though. I really do. The end is your purpose and your destination. Then you can crack a bottle of champagne and play around with the complete text as much as you like? New characters may create themselves. Things are probably going to happen you don't even know about yet ...

I know. I get so distracted though. I'm such a scatterbrain, I know where I want to go with it, but I just end up...dithering.

[RJM Corbet]

Originally Posted by allmywires

... I know. I get so distracted though. I'm such a scatterbrain, I know where I want to go with it, but I just end up...dithering.

I don't want to sound as I have any superior wisdom here, but then the issue seems to be: what are you trying to accomplish with it? Is this one worth the blood and the years, and the sweat and the tears? Is it the right vehicle for you? Is it big enough for you? Is this the book you really need to write? Does it allow you to say all you want to say?

Or is it perhaps just the sub-plot within a grander tapestry?