Pondering the Story

Last year, our local newspaper editor asked if I wanted to be a part of a writer’s group that he wanted to start. I took the leap. There is something cool about being with other writers. They understand.

One of the things we do at our meetings, that I enjoy, is to bring a portion of something we’ve written and read it aloud. Not only does this activity reveal the writer's genre choices, but also provides a taste of their style. Most tend to read the first chapter of a book or story they're writing. (We also have a poet in the mix.) We’ve talked about the importance of first chapters and first lines. We've talked about how we get to the starting point in allowing our minds to mull over ideas and characters until we're ready to put everything together. One member talked about his brain exploding with ideas on the first book (in a series) that he's writing and allowing his mind to ponder the results.

Of course, getting an idea, jotting it down in some format, and writing the fabulous opening line and first paragraphs is only the beginning. The real work now begins. Next comes the middle, and the middle needs to satisfy the reader, not cheat the reader. The middle must be meaningful and fulfill the promises offered at the beginning or the reader won’t make it to your fabulous ending. 

 

Recently, I read a great article Brood Over Your Endings by Scott Bell. As he heads for the end, he “broods”, allowing his mind to work on what is needed for the story. He said, “I can write opening chapters all day long. But to stick a novel after it, keep readers turning pages, and then wrap it up in such a way that it leaves them so supremely satisfied they go out looking for more of my books…that’s the hard part.” 

 

Mr. Bell included this awesome Mickey Spillane quote in the article. “The first chapter sells the book. The last chapter sells the next book”.  So what you're telling us, Mr. Spillane, is that you not only need to grab the reader's attention and keep it, but spark a need to return for more of your writing? 

I've never read a Spillane book but have watched old TV shows and movies based on his work. In a YouTube video he talks about writing, how many books he'd sold at that point and how his work was stolen. He also talked about his wealth, being a millionaire, but being content with less. 

 

Writing a great and satisfying story is pressure! It's like asking for trouble. It's like if you do it, readers will expect more!

 

Find James Scott Bell’s entire article at Kill Zone here.

Hear the short interview of Mickey Spillane here.

T.