http://www.abctales.com/story/maddan/fire-on-the-horizon-chapter-1
Thu, 2005-11-03 14:01
#1
http://www.abctales.com/story/maddan/fire-on-the-horizon-chapter-1
Hiya maddan, just want to pass on a tip that I use.
Once I've written a piece, especially an opening chapter, I often find it useful toi then scrap the beginning.
Following that rule, I like the chapter better when I started from "I had not thought the girl was that attractive at first."
It then got into it straight away, with a cool character description.
Hope this doesn't sound too presumptuous, it's just that I'm really struggling with my stuff need all the input i can get, so though I's share some out too.
Ignore it if you want though, it's not like I'm an expert or anything!
maddan
Yeah but that's over 250 words there! I need those words! I can't afford to go throwing words out! not now! where am I going to find another 250 words at this time! I need those words! do you understand! I need them! Martin's already got 7000 words! That would put me even further behind him! I can't spare that many words! I just can't! my progress would go backwards! BACKWARDS! there are people counting on me you know! those words matter!
I know what this is... you want them for yourself don't you! that's what this is isn't it! you want my words! well you can't have them! hear! they're mine! get your own words!
josiedog
Easy, tiger, plenty more where they came from, you can have some of mine if you like.
Anyway, I didn't say chuck 'em, I just said don't start with 'em.
AND, it was only a suggestion!
Like I said, I know nowt...
mykle
I know Dan was joking but I'm not sure if you were Josie - I wish you people would use smileys.
I know a Nowt too, Josie. Does he have a Yorkshire accent? :O)
NigelTLegg
i have just made what as the opening chapter the closing chapter - changing or dropping the opening line can be a great liberation - my restructuring allowed me to explore far more, and get greater character development - I think.
martin_t
dan's right, we can't afford to edit at the moment, there's 50,000 words to find in the next 24 days, we can go back to editing on december 1st
josiedog
Yeah, but suggestions can come at any time, right?
Don't have to take 'em on, now or ever (yawn).
maddan
Hope I didn't upset you Josie, I did in fact consider doing exactly what you suggested but decided to keep the first two paragraphs because, well, two whole paragraphs is not to be sniffed at, and they do tie in to the broader themes of the novel in quite a natty way.
If I am not sick of the story forever after the 30th november I will certainly be looking to see if they fit better somewhere else.
josiedog
Alright Dan. been away for a bit so didn't reply.
Upset, me?
Nah mate, everything's cool. I think a few people did our thinking for us, or certainly did it for me, but it's an open forum so that's cool.
Not that arsed really, only here for the writing....
Crack on.
martin_t
josie, apologies too, suggestions are welcome, this nano thing is a bit obsessive...
josiedog
And another thing, when I first posted my comment, I knew nothing about this nano thing, and so maddan's reply meant nothing to me at all......oops
My fault entirely, amd I can now understand why it may have caused a stir.....
I've worked to deadlines and know how nasty they are - and apologise for causing any undue pressure!
(Stand by my comments though)