Beginnings. I know so many writers that love beginnings. They love them so much they have drawers (really files since most of us don’t actually keep our writing in actual drawers) full of story beginnings. They love the excitement, the freshness, the limitless possibilities. Me? Not so much. And that’s really putting it mildly. I hate beginnings.

I get the whole newness thing, I can see where they’re coming from, but I can’t feel it. I’m a bundle of nerves pretty much the whole time I’m writing, but the beginning, especially. (And the ending, but that’s a whole ‘nother blog) The way I look at it, I’ve got a blank canvas with two people I don’t know at all (regardless of how many things I know about them, it’s way different once you let them lose on paper), a setting I’m unfamiliar with, details I haven’t quite worked out, I’m basically in uncharted territory. For some this might be exciting. For me, it’s terrifying.

There’s all this pressure. All these elements that need to be seamlessly woven into the fabric of the opening chapters. Character GMC, enough backstory without it being too much, sexual tension, perfect first line, hooks at the end of scenes/chapters….I could go on. Pressure, I tell you! It’s enough to make a poor introverted writer blow her top. But I’m keeping my cool. Because I know the good stuff is coming. The middle. It’s just right around the corner – somewhere after chapter 5 or so.

I’m one of those strange writers who loves *gasp* the sagging middle. It’s not so sagging from where I sit. It’s the fun part. (Well, in so much as these things can actually be fun) It’s the part where I know what I’m doing. I’ve gotten the rhythm of the characters down, I know where the storyline is going, and the conflict is really rising. Talk about limitless possibilities. This is the stage where a lot of writers get bored, which just has me scratching my head.

But back to the beginning, which is where I am with my current book. Now, I will admit that this book is a little unique since the heroine isn’t exactly new to me. I haven’t been in her point of view until this book, but she’s been in the last two books. This makes it both easier and harder. Easier because I have less to work out for her. Harder because that little throw-away detail I tucked in book 1, now might be a major issue once this heroine is in the spotlight. (note to self, when writing a series, figure out throw-away details in advance) The hero is new though and so hot he makes the keys on my laptop burn just a bit. I hope that’s a good sign that he’ll be fun to work with, but I’m rather doubtful as these characters have a way of becoming supreme pains in the derriere (rather quickly, I might add.)

In spite of all this, I’m really trying to have fun with this one. Trying to let myself enjoy the discovery rather than get mired in the panic. I’ll let you know how it works out…