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how to write, how to write a book, Insecure Writers Support Group, insecurities, support, the writing process, writers
I am taking part in the monthly blog hop, Insecure Writers’ Support Group. Started by Alex J. Cavanaugh, it is meant to do the following:
To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
I felt it was a good idea for me to do this. Not only does it give me an excuse to vent my fears the first Wednesday of every month, but it is nice that so many other authors are doing the same.
Entry #3
Yes, I’m a day late, but better late than never!
I’m probably whining about the same things again, but I find it so difficult to get my follow-up right. I must’ve done the first chapter 20 times already, and it driving me nuts. Yeah, it’s only a draft and no one nails it in the early stages, but holy crap!
We’ve all heard that the first page, or even the first five sentences, have to grab the reader enough for them to continue. Every word has to be engrossing enough to make them read on. If not, you’ve lost a reader.
After that, make the first chapter thorough enough to give the reader an idea of what is in store for the rest of the book. Sure, there would be twists and turns throughout the story, but the main idea belongs in the first chapter. Miss anything important, your book won’t be considered good enough.
And to make it worse, my WIP is the follow-up to my book, which means I have to refresh readers minds a little (but not a lot!) within the first chapter, plus set the stage for what is in stake for the characters now. I want to show that Daniel has gone mad with power (why is he so easy to write?). I want to show Claire has a lot of regret and needs to be given a situation which will allow her to heal and forgive herself. All this in one damn chapter. No wonder why I’m feeling overwhelmed with pressure.
But yes, it’s only a draft and they’re always horrible. Like I mentioned in last month’s entry, I am aiming to have as many eyes on my work as possible. I want a good critique at all times and I appreciate anything said, positive or negative. It’s great to know that something works, and it is also great to know where I can improve or fix.
I just wish I can get past this damn f***in chapter and get on with the rest of my story. I also wish I wasn’t such a perfectionist and so hard on myself so I could write with more ease.
Sigh!
But on a positive note, I’m halfway done with the chapter and I’m satisfied – at last – with what I have. I think with that, I’ll get the other half done more easily now.
Megan Cashman 
I have to refresh readers minds a little (but not a lot!) within the first chapter, plus set the stage for what is in stake for the characters now. I want to show that Daniel has gone mad with power (why is he so easy to write?). I want to show Claire has a lot of regret and needs to be given a situation which will allow her to heal and forgive herself.
But why? Why do any of that? Why not turn sideways, have Daniel argue pointlessly with the phone company, have Claire go on a shopping spree, and generally leave the readers to suck on their thumbs…
I know I panicked a lot with my first chapter and I also feel your pain regarding follow-up novel opening chapters. I wrestled with the worry of how much I needed to refresh readers minds so as to not bore avid readers but also not alienate new readers.
In the end I took a step back from it, took a deep breath and took the pressure off. I wrote the sort of opening chapter I would like to read and shut out all the other paranoid voices in my head. If you like it then the chances are others will. And with the follow-ups I think again – take the pressure off reminding the reader of this and that. Focus on writing a good, solid chapter story-wise and all the rest of it will naturally fall into place.
Just my two pence!
Thanks Matthew!
Reading yours and Francis’ comment has made me rethink my first question, though I’m reluctant to admit it. I guess I’m trying too hard to not only write a good follow-up, but a good story altogether. I’m trying to make sure I do better than my first book, and I am going nuts in the process.
I don’t think my readers would want to be bombarded with so much in the first chapter; there might be too much to absorb. I’ll tone it down a bit and relax as I write. Hopefully, it will turn out well.
Mind you, I’m more obsessed with presenting the story in this book rather than refreshing memories. But again, I’m probably bombarding future readers.
Thanks guys!
It’s so easy as writers to just fly into a panic isn’t it? I think we’re naturally very insecure creatures and it only takes an offhand comment from someone to give us a confidence wobble! We just need to remember we’re all in the same boat together – at least we’re not alone in our madness!
Oh, best of luck!!! I promise, you’re not the only one who’s struggled to figure out how to start a sequel. Mine was SUCH a pain to rework time and time again….
Thanks Victoria! Sometimes I ask myself, what were you thinking?
It’s hard enough to do a first chapter, much less the first chapter of a sequel.
I’m sure it will turn out great!
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Maybe the answer is to go on and write the rest of the story. *shrugs* Maybe, while you’re writing that, the way to fix the beginning will become clear to you.
I’ve heard that tip before, but damn it, I am so picky and perfectionistic. I got to get over it!
I’ll try, I will. I need to lighten up.
I struggled with the idea of reminding readers for each section of my collaborative short story project because there is a week delay between one section of a story and when I have the next one written. In the end, I decided to do a recap instead.
Obviously you can’t quite do that with a novel, but I understand your plight.
Thanks Tracy!
I’m not really worried about readers not remembering what happened in the first book, just improving on the second book. The more I think about this entry, the more I realize I need to stop overanalyzing and just relax and write.
Omg, yes, can I do that too? I think I have been trapped in a mental quagmire this week.
Hi, would you consider re-blogging this for me?
I’m asking for submissions
http://ejrunyon.wordpress.com/2013/04/02/call-for-fiction-excerpts-submissions/
Thank you
I tweeted this, and I will post this on my Facebook feed, k?
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