They say that writing is rewriting, and nowhere is that truer than when it comes to the opening of a book. At least for me. One of my author friends likes to ask, “Are you starting this story in the right place?” Spoiler alert—I never do. At least on the first go. And the second. And sometimes the third. We’re not even going to talk about the fourth.
At this point, I’ve finished the first couple of drafts and patted myself on the back. Then promptly realized the opening lines read like something a sleep-deprived cat might come up with while on a night out with an owl who isn’t quite as witty as he thinks he is. Basically, they were crap.
So armed with a good dose of realism, a smidge of sarcasm, and a steaming cup of coffee, I dove headfirst into the art of reimagining. Or, as I like to call it, “Extreme First Chapter Makeover.” It was like trying to summarize the meaning of life in a tweet—or post. Whatever.
So there I was, fearlessly armed with my delete key that was begging for mercy. I lined up my characters in my head like overenthusiastic actors awaiting their cue. “Ok protagonist, you’re up. Time to charm the pants off readers in 0.4 seconds or they’re swiping left.” Thankfully, Gabby was up to this massive undertaking.
But let’s not forget the delightful task of sprinkling in foreshadowing like a well-organized breadcrumb trail. “Yes, dear reader, this seemingly innocuous event that happens on page one is going to make your brain explode with revelations on page 176. Just trust me on this.”
So, to my fellow rewriters, let us raise our mugs of caffeine—or alcohol, I’m not one to judge—and toast to this absurdly challenging but ultimately rewarding process. Who needs sleep when you’re busy sculpting a literary masterpiece, right?