I've begun a new proposal for Mills & Boon Historicals that's set in 1855 England. It's always an adventure when I start something new. Every author has a different process, and I'm working to streamline mine. Sadly, it isn't working. WIth my last medieval, it took me 7 tries to get the opening scene correct. I wrote 7 different openings, trying out the hero's point of view, then the heroine's. Trying one opening, then something else. Even when I know their goals and the opening incident, the challenge is how much do I reveal?
With this new book, it was just as difficult. I started it 6 different times, and I've thrown out at least 15 pages. Will that ever change? I'm not sure. It may simply be my process, inefficient though it is.
I've written 2 chapters and each time I open the file, I go back and smooth out the characters. I add to their motivations, trying to make their emotions come alive on the page. Yesterday I deleted the first three pages because the information wasn't necessary right away. I think it was a good move.
With any luck, I'll have the proposal chapters done by the end of next week and I can begin the synopsis. That, in itself, is another chore!
What about you--what's your process for beginning a new story? Or, if you're a reader, what are some of your favorite types of novel openings?
Michelle Willingham
www.michellewillingham.com
Taming Her Irish Warrior - April 2011
Surrender to an Irish Warrior - May 2011
Claimed by the Highland Warrior - December 2011
I love this place. Its like
I love this place. Its like a movie scene of Narnia. :D Greenery cools the mind and give attraction to the eyes. This home is very beautiful and gorgeous.
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My second sale story has
My second sale story has echoes of the first. The news cisa Robert Hale
wanted to publish my jointly written historical romance (a Regency
romance) was sent by post.
My first call did not happen until my then editor from Mills and
Boon (Linda Fildew) called me at half past five in the ccnp dumps afternoon on 10
June 2005. I had sent in the requested revisions about three weeks
earlier. When the phone went, and Linda said who she was, I thought --
oh it's a Friday, they never give The Call on a Friday but I must be
very close for her to call. I was totally wrong. Editors give The Call
whenever they like. Linda likes to ensure that authors have a fabulous
weekend. My husband was about testking dumps to go out for a run and did not
understand why I was crying and shouting. We did have champagne later.
I have now had 11 manuscripts accepted for publication with HMB. And
And each time a book is accepted, the moment is special. Hopefully
others will be inspired to share the journey to their M&B call on
their M&B blog.
testking ccna
Through the arched doorway?
Hello Michelle,
I love the picture you have added. If it is your garden I am pea-green with envy! The mystery of what is through the opening.... If it is a garden open to the public the risk is that the only things through the door are the loo or the tearoom! I am waiting for the booklet available here in Lincolnshire about all the gardens open during the year to the public and then I can start planning pilgrimages to favourites and seeing how they have changed and also trying out some new delights.
As to openings of novels - I often enjoy a bit of tension, being unsure of quite what is happening and having to take the time to work out the plot that is developing. I also enjoy prologues as a device for scene setting. I hope you are getting to grips with your Victorian historical plot.
Caro
twitter: pavilionofwomen
Hi
At the risk of being thought unsymapthetic, may I say, I'm glad I'm not the only one having problems with my attempted openings. I have four different stories all at the first chapter stages because none of them will 'flow'.
I love the pic you've included in your blog, and am sure you'll soon have everthing flowing with the same serenity in your picture. I can almost 'see' your characters walking through that scene. Her with a parasole (sp) and him half turned towards her with a kind'a surprised smile on his face as though she's done or said something totally unexpected.
Good luck with finishing your partial. :-0