Yesterday, I completed my revisions of chapter 1. That's a big step toward completion, but I don't want to overstate its importance. I'll explain.
One of the best pieces of writing advice I ever got was, "Write what you want to read." One of the things I don't really care for in novels is really long first chapters. When I examine a book and Chapter 1 is 10 pages longer than any other chapter, I just put it back on the shelf.
To hold my interest, an author has to grab my attention right off, introduce the conflict, major characters, and emotional hook ASAP. My first book, I believe, does this very well. In the paperback, it's just 10 pages long.
So, now that I've finished revising chapter one of Book 3, I can feel accomplished BUT it's not all that big of a deal. The first chapter is short. The second one isn't all that long either (again, that's my reading preference). However, all steps - big or small - get me to where I'm going, and I am super excited to be where I am.
And now, for some potential mild spoilers.
SPOILER ALERT!
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You might be wondering what issues I faced in revising that chapter. Well, Tristan is going to be a bit older than when we left him at the end of The Huntsman and the Vampire. Nearly a year, I think. He's got to show more maturity.
One thing that shows a lack of maturity in writing (but not in real life) is asking a lot of questions. Tristan had far too many in the opening pages. He needs to speak in statements, not queries. So, I had a lot of those types of things to fix.
Other than that, though, I am thrilled with the first chapter. I have a touching emotional moment, a mystery, and it finishes with a bang. There isn't much more I could want out of an introductory chapter.
Today, I'm on to revising Chapter 2, and maybe 3 as well. Wish me luck! I can't wait to tell you more.
Peace,
-Troy
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