Hi everyone,
Hope you're all well.
As all writers do, I've found myself in a bit of a quandary over Raymond's story. I had written 8 chapters and then started questioning myself over the order of the chapters and the flow of the story.
Initially, I started in the present with Raymond on the pier wondering where everything had gone wrong, before dropping back in the past and telling the story of the buildup to Raymond's breakdown (you can see these 2 early chapters posted in previous posts). My thinking was, we often see people at there very worst before we ever realise anything was wrong, but we are curious as to how they got themselves in such a mess. Slowly, over the ensuing chapters I planned to give readers more and more background on Raymond's life and in the process, insight as to how he came to melting point.
Then I thought, is it better to start of with Raymond's life, the reader knowing that he is not happy but with no idea that he's on the road to a breakdown and slowly build to the breakdown point.
Hmmm....not sure which would be more interesting to the reader?
Any comments appreciated.
Joe
Pepe and Poppy
My first book
The ultimate self-help guide for men
My hilarious spoof on self help
About Me
- Joe Novella
- I am a writer. I have had 3 books published and working on my 4th which is the story of a young man who is searching for happiness. Writing a book is such an insular and often lonely process that this time I want to change things up a little. This time I want to take the journey with anyone that is interested. And I will welcome your thoughts and comments, in fact i'd be honored to receive them. And it may also help you with your own writing projects.
3 comments:
Hi Joe,
I think you were right the first time around. Personally I think it sounds more interesting to start the story with a bang, and then explain the events leading up to said bang, sort of an investigation into a mystery for the curious reader.
Haven't heard much from you lately, I hope that means you're busy writing and that all's well.
Lurve, Sarah
Hi Joe
I agree with Sarah. Impact first = interest then the complexities.
Hope all is well with you
I agree with Sarah. As a reader, I want to know where Raymond is now and then start to learn how he got to this point in his life. This way I know where he is, get the chance to make connections as to how he got there during the following narrative and then start hypothesising where he's going to end up in the future as the story starts to unfold beyond the now.
I'm not sure I've explained it that well but hopefully you get the thrust of it.
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