Starting a big project can be scary. Today I'll start my novella for Smitten #3. Now granted, it's a novella. Considerably less daunting than a full length novel.

Still, a blank page is a blank page. There's nothing there, and I have to write words that will hold a reader's attention for 100 pages. So a few tips for those staring blindly at the blinking curser:

1. It's easy to get hung up on the 1st sentence, on the first paragraph. They're so important, says every writing book ever written. Yes, they are. My advice, don't strain yourself on the opening sentences in the 1st draft. Just get the story started. (My husband advises "Once upon a time" but I know you can do better than that.)

2. Have some idea where you're going. You don't need a fleshed out road map, but you should be writing toward something.

3. At the very least, know what your protagonist wants and what's standing in his/her way. This will drive the conflict.

4. Before you sit down to write, daydream options for the opening and choose where you want to start. I like to start with a scene, not exposition, and most readers prefer that too.

5. Just get something down. If it's awful or you chose to start in the wrong place, you can always scrap it later. At least it got you going.

What are your favorite tips for new beginnings?

Labels: Denise Hunter, writing