BEGINNINGS

I hate beginnings. Some authors love starting a new book, but not me. It's painstakingly difficult for me to write the first few chapters. Why? Because I don't know my characters yet. Sure, I've done character development sheets on them, but they don't really come to life until they're on stage. Then I have to describe their physical mannerisms, type of dress, speech foibles, etc. Once they've made an appearance or two, the story flows much easier. I don't have to stop to figure out how to...