Hi, I'm new to writing and have an idea for a novel. The problem is I have started writing it three times, each with a different approach. I have now decided to research more before I start writing again. Can any of you provide tips on getting that first chapter finished please?
Thanks Gilly, I'm currently doing something similar in that I'm using blank postcards to jot down information on all the aspects of the story (Main character's background, historical events etc) to enable me to be consistent with the plot. I think I need to keep writing a beginning until one of them feels right and the writing starts to flow. I don't get much time to write so don't want to waste time once I get the chance, hence the question.
Hi Frederick
I'm no expert but am writing my second novel as the first tries to find an agent, but when I wrote mine I wrote a prologue for each so the reader would know why the book started where it did. Sometimes I know the ending before the beginning so I may start with that and go back and write the beginning or middle later. It may help to have a story board where you plot out the whole book before you start writing so you have an idea of where you're going with it (although if you decide to change that once you start writing then you can of course). Hope that helps.
Good luck