How to Get Beyond Chapter 1
by Helen Heavirland | Sep 30, 2016 | Begin, Edit, Story Writing |
Image courtesy of imagery majestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
“I can’t get past the first chapter,” a frustrated writer confided. “I start, then go back and read it . . . and it stinks.”
I’ve heard the lament repeatedly. And I’m delighted when I hear some of those writers later comment, “Your advice got me unstuck. My book is done!”
My recommendation was simple, but it’s helped multiple people get on with their writing project. What did I say? “Don’t go back and read your first chapter [or first page]. Just keep writing.” First chapters are a bugaboo for many writers—many accomplished writers. So, if you’re having trouble with your first chapter, count yourself among writers who care about their readers and just keep writing.
Why? Here are five reasons.
1. Some research indicates that editing is a left-brain activity that can shut down creativity—a right-brain role. Writing and editing to some degree are separate functions. When you edit in the midst of writing, you turn off the creativity you need to keep going.
2. Sometimes it takes a while to get into the “flow” of a writing project. If you keep deleting your first pages, you never get to that place where you’re comfortable writing and where your words captivate readers.
3. Editing will be more effective and efficient later. Computers simplify editing— save a copy in case you totally mess up your original, then make changes to your heart’s content. Highlight, delete, replace. Move a sentence or paragraph. But with handwritten pages, you can write in the margin and, literally, cut and paste. I know it works—I’ve done my fair share of both. Whatever method you use to write and edit, it’s an inexpressible delight to watch your manuscript go from OK to great.
4. Sometimes a writing project evolves as you proceed. By the time you get to the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of how you want to introduce it.
5. If you keep starting over, writing can become oppressive drudgery, an ought- to-do rather than a precious and exciting gift to your potential readers. When you’d rather clean toilets than sit down at your computer, all kinds of interruptions will call your name. When pencil and paper feel like they may snuff out all joy, you’ll be tempted to go do something more pleasant—like clean the cracks in your paved driveway with a toothbrush, hike the full length of the Appalachian trail, or pet a cobra.
So . . . when you’re writing first pages and you’re tempted to edit, edit your methods rather than your manuscript. Just go ahead and write. For the time being, forget about the last sentence you wrote. You got it down. Let it rest. Write another sentence, another paragraph, another page, another chapter. Create another scene, another dialogue, another word picture. Keep going. Just keep writing!
