Question of the day. How many books have you stopped reading and why?
If you're like me, your book shelves are bursting with books. Most of my books, I love, dust often, and treasure. However, there are several who take up valuable space and haven't seen the light of day for years. So, I ask myself, Why do I keep these books? What turned me off? Why didn't they keep me reading? I pulled four from the shelf and started to re-read. In one hour, I had my answer. All the authors started with BACKSTORY and SCENERY. I had no idea what was going on. No main character showed-up. No question of trouble brewing. How on earth could I get emotional involved? I had nothing to connect, too. A good beginning for me has to grab me emotionally with people doing something. I have to care. I want to know the story-worthy problem. Oak trees, lakes, birds flying, sun in the sky, doesn't do the job. Boring as hell!!!!!!! Please, write me an opening scene with action. Stories are about one thing and one thing only, Trouble. The story simply doesn't exist before this point.
Remember: A good beginning could possibly buy you another page or two with your reader. A poor beginning can doom you story on the first page.
Happy Writing, and I wish all my friends a very happy holiday season.
Sherry L. White
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