Where Do We Start?

Despite what Julie Andrews may sing, starting at the very beginning is rarely the place to start your book. Characters have lived a lifetime in your world before getting to the heart of their story and beginning their story at birth (or, beforehand in a lengthy prologue) isn't often the way to go. For me, the beginning is always the hardest part; not the act of sitting down and writing part, but when to start the tale.

In other words, Why now?



It's important to think, "Why now?" What is it abou...