Begin where you are
I’ve had this story in my head for more years than I care to count. The working title has changed several times. I’ve written what I originally thought were seven chapters, but I’ve learned a few things since I wrote them and now I’m not sure they’re worth anything to the story. In my self-debate over participating in the 70 Days of Sweat, I wondered if I should trash everything and start the story over. I don’t think I will. I need to keep moving forward. The only way to have a complete first draft is to keep writing – no re-writing until the draft is finished.
Beginnings are important. Heck, the opening of a novel can make or break you in terms of getting agented and published. But a great opening is worthless unless something follows it – like a middle and an ending. As a starting point, I’m counting what I’ve already written. The challenge for me is to produce new pages. Lots of them. So let’s get to sweating!