Thanks to a chat with a lovely writing buddy, I've been pondering the importance of the first page - especially in a category novel where the wc is VERY TIGHT.
This friend, who will soon be published, pointed out that most editors want the conflict CLEAR as MUD as early as THE FIRST PAGE!!
I KNOW!! I almost died? Surely not!!
So...I looked again at the first page of my new mss and found I've introduced the heroine but aside from that she's had issues with a guy called Tim, is looking forward to heading home and doesn't regard the wealthy workers in the offices above very highly, we don't have any real insight on that first page as to what her conflcits will be.
I think my problem may be that I've started the story in the wrong place because for once I think I've got their conflicts fairly developed in my mind.
Anyway... just thought I'd let you know what I'm up too and why the word count isn't shooting up on the side. I'm currently doing lots of research of stellar first pages and contemplating whether I need a totally NEW start to my story!
Go have a look at some of the first pages of your fave category romances!! How much is given away in as little as a few paras?!
Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood
2 days ago