Could use some help please...

[Cedric]

For a long time, I have seriously considered writing a book. I've gotten started on it. But honestly, have no idea if I write well or not. I thought since you guys were my target audience and you are always helpful, maybe I could get your help.

I posted the First Chapter over at the Story Hour. Think you could read it if you get a chance, lemme know what you think?

Thanks,

Cedric

 

[Sir Trent]

My comments

There is nothing wrong with your first chapter. There are things you could do differently, of course. The history portion could probably be worked into the story later, allowing you the opportunity to work more 'action' into your fist chapter. It's important, particularly for an unknown author, to grab his readers quickly. Once you are established, then readers will be more willing to sift through the history to reach the story.
What I would be very interested in seeing is the last chapter of the book. Could you write it now? Not that you couldn't edit it later, but are you so clear on the ending that you could write it now? I've learned that many good writers are not good finishers. The best book in the world will still suck if the ending is lame.
My advice? (since you asked, man what a mistake!) Write the book. Write it all. Then decide on how to make it better, and what to do with it. You'll never regret the effort.
Hope that helps.

 

[jgbrowning]

For a long time, I have seriously considered writing a book. I've gotten started on it. But honestly, have no idea if I write well or not. I thought since you guys were my target audience and you are always helpful, maybe I could get your help.

we'll ive written my first book, 320 pages or so, but i havent written the second one. its a two-parter so i cant send the first one out without the second one being finished

but a few words of advice that i noticed about myself.

just. keep. writing.

do it. everyday.

you'll get better and find your style

joe b.

 

[Cedric]

Time will tell, but I was thinking of actually changing my first chapter to be a prologue. That way it can set the backdrop for the story without being "part" of the story being told.

Hmm...I'll have to thnk about it. I'm definately not above massive editing. heh.

Cedric

 

[Cedric]

Out of curiosity, how many people here skip the prologue when they read a book?

Cedric

 

[Crothian]

Out of curiosity, how many people here skip the prologue when they read a book?

Cedric

Never. The prologue is important to the book, or it wouldn';t be there.

 

[jgbrowning]

ditto

Out of curiosity, how many people here skip the prologue when they read a book?
Cedric

traditionally, ive found the prologue gives a lot of "deep" information concerning the subject to be addressed by a book.

kinda like "here's the main theme of the book, doe-doe"

joe b.

 

[Cedric]

Had a friend who never read the prologue's, so I thought I'd just ask...

Cedric

 

[Buttercup]

Not read the prologue? Now why would I do that? It usually sets up the rest of the story.

By the way, your first chapter has potential. I agree though, that the history section might make a better prologue. Flesh out the two kids.