First Chapter

Yesterday I wrote the first chapter of a new book. Might as well while I’m waiting on proofs for First.

I spent a few days thinking through the things I want to include in this book, and then creating a very broad outline for the first section. I find that approach gives me some guardrails and gets everything started. Plus, it means I don’t leave out something important.

I mulled over the topic of why. As in, why write this book? What’s the lightning bolt that sets it on fire and makes it a book worth reading? I have several thoughts along those lines, but I’m not sure I have the main one. I’m telling the story from a different point of view than I’ve done before, and since it’s a sequel to First there are familiar faces as well as new characters. I think I have even have a name for it, but I’m still thinking that part through.

My perspective is that if I get started with the major themes and story points, I’ll figure out the extra dash of seasoning I’m looking for. I don’t want to write something predictable. I might not be the world’s deepest thinker, but I do like to be somewhat original.