Comments | fangs_fur_fey: ToM: Finding the Beginning (In Which I Don't Know Where I'm Going Until I'm There).

irysangel in fangs_fur_fey

ToM: Finding the Beginning (In Which I Don't Know Where I'm Going Until I'm There).

May 05, 2009 16:32

How do you find the beginning of your novels? How do you know where to start them?

Here’s a crazy answer - I have no idea how to start my books. Wait, wait. I’m not supposed to say that, right?

Okay, here’s a better answer. I don’t know where the beginning is until I have it.

It’s hard to say how I start a story. Usually it begins with a scene, ( Read more... )

jill myles

Comments 6

jongibbs May 5 2009, 21:42:36 UTC

Me, I like to start with the problem, then figure out how the story ends. After that I think about how the characters are changed as a result (it gives me a lot of ideas of how I can casue them trouble along the way). The very last thing I decide upon is where to begin :)

I guess we all have to find what works for us, right?

irysangel May 6 2009, 16:36:00 UTC

Exactly! I have a friend that cringes every time I mention how I start a book. As long as you figure out what works for you, and use it. :)

ex_kaz_maho May 5 2009, 22:00:54 UTC

I can relate to this - big time. And 10k is usually my breaking point, too. It's make or break time, where I find out if the concept/initial scene has the 'legs' to carry me through to the end...

irysangel May 6 2009, 16:36:31 UTC

Yes! 10k is the "Oh my god this is awesome" point. Or it can be the "Oh dear" point as well.

tom_gallier May 6 2009, 01:29:55 UTC

I usually start with a title. The title is my inspiration (but title frequently changes after book is written).

Sometimes I start with an opening line I like. I keep a word doc with possible opening lines and titles, which I review periodically for inspiration.

I have on occasion done what you do, but I usually only write 2 or 3 thousand words. After that I have to stop and write an outline. My brain forbids any more writing without an outline.

Oddly enough, everytime I have writing out a first scene before an outline, it ended up being tossed. I guess I just use them for inspiration.

irysangel May 6 2009, 16:37:01 UTC

Nothing wrong with that! I have a hard time tossing entire scenes because I become really attached to them. But I can't say that's a smart move on my part. :)