Beginnings

Now that I'm starting my third book, I'm beginning to notice a pattern. Beginnings are really, really tough for me compared to other parts of the book. I'm talking about the amount of revision and fiddling I do with it—not the raw creation.

I've revised the first paragraph of HAMMERED at least ten times already. I know what I want to say; finding the most elegant way to say it is the tough part. The first sentence, especially, has endured major reconstructive surgery. When the book is finally published, people will never know (unless they read this) that I spent a couple of hours on it, trying and discarding much more complex sentences before settling on a relatively simple one.

Once I get the plot firmly rolling, however, I rarely revise much; just a sentence here or there, usually. No single part of the book gets the attention that my opening chapter does.

HOUNDED's first few pages went through 24 different versions before I finally left it alone—and that's only because my editor told me to. I'd still probably still be hacking away at it if she hadn't told me to leave it.

Speaking of which, I'm supposed to get my Copy Edits on January 14. Can't wait!