Chapter Beginnings

Have you ever sat in front of the computer screen and wondered how to begin the first chapter of your novel? I faced that situation not long ago. I'd been to Block Island during the summer and fell in love with the island all over again. As I meandered through winding roads, I thought a story featuring my Vinnie Esposito series characters and the island would make for a perfect murder. I gathered as much free info on the island and its history that I could while there and then sat down to write. Nada! Nothing! There was just too much information (TMI) to deal with at once. Too many possibilities, too many ideas bouncing around my brain.

It took some time, some shuffling of info and thought blooms on paper before I finally managed to get an opening. I crammed words onto the pages without worrying about them. My friend and fellow author, Annette Blair, once told me that is the only way to start. "Get it down," she said. "Then worry about sorting it out later." Smart woman!!!

Writing like the devil stood over my shoulder breathing fire down my neck, I got the scene set. Then....three chapters into the story, I stalled. Tired? Maybe. Free thinking? Definitely not. I set the work aside and now, a few weeks later, my engine has started to rev like I am a Nascar driver. Today is the day! I will jump back into the story and hope I can finish a few laps around the track before my motor stalls. Whew! I was beginnning to wonder if it was going to happen. The story had been rattling around in my attic until it jelled, so I'm ready to get back to it.

Share your story with me on how you begin your first chapter. I'd like to know, really!

Check out my website for the latest give-aways/contest/and information on upcoming books. See who won the ereader contest im August. I may even have gotten that first chapter of the newly submitted Exposito novel so you can have a sneak peak. Cold Moon Dead is the wackiest of the Esposito novels and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.www.JMGriffin.net

My publisher, Lachesis Publishing, has my Vinnie Esposito series on sale at their website. Talk a look and read some excerpts. www.lachesispublishing.com

Writing Is Hard Work!

It's been a while since I've posted, sorry about that, but the edits for the next Vinnie Esposito series novel has taken priority over all else since it is due to be released in September. SURPRISE!!! (to me, too) I have been working on the edits to get them in on time. But, I digress as to my subject today...
I have to laugh every time I hear the words, "Oh, you work at home". Does everyone think writing is easy? That working at home is a breeze? That you aren't interrupted every other minute? That you consider running away sometimes? Gosh!
I usually smile, grit my teeth and say, it is a "real" job even though many don't seem to think so. That statement usually draws attention and lets the speaker know I'm not amused at the comment.
Writers, any type, work long hours, are often paid little until they become well known, and in many instances they hold jobs that keep the money flowing in the door. (It is difficult to write well when you have to live in a box under a bridge.) I can say that I do get reprieves every now and then by heading into the studio and slapping some paint on watercolor paper. It is rewarding, renewing and fun to say the least.
I have a question for you, though. I have a novel I've been working on for about three years as a tweener (in between the others that are under contract), and for the life of me I can't seem to write The End on this piece of work. Do any of you have this problem when it comes time to finish a project? Any Project? Why?
Let me know, I'd like to gain some insight on why I can't get 'er done.