Writing the Re-write: Brainstorming

So the process has started on the book 1 re-write. I’m not posting the new blog yet, but I am going to share with you one of the struggles I’m already having out of the gate.

In the 1st edition of the book, it starts with Cindy running through the streets of New York trying to get to work on time. Needless to say, this is not the most interesting way to start a book. It’s setting up the scene in a most boring way possible.

Then you compare it with the intro which starts in a haze of confusion. Sirens are in the distance, blue and red lights flashing against the walls, Cindy hunched over a body not knowing where she is or what she’s done. The new intro has a hook and Chapter 1 needs that same level interest.

So what can we do to start this book off on the right foot?

Some ideas I had:
-Cindy gives 1,000 dollars to the homeless.
-Continue with the intro and work my way backwards in time. (Not a big fan).
-Have Cindy give us a bit of a background of who and where she is. (Not a fan either, too easy.)
-Start with Jonas going to the lab.

Now these are not strong ideas. A lot of these are rather weak, but that’s the point. You need to start listing out ideas until they start getting crazier and crazier. The most important thing is to never start the book with “It was a beautiful and sunny day.” Unless you’re being extremely ironic. “It was a beautiful and sunny day, perfect for an execution.”

So how do we solve this problem of not having a suitable idea for the 1st chapter? The answer is not so obvious and might surprise you.

Do nothing. Go on with your life, go jogging, take a shower, watch a movie. You need to let your brain stew for a little bit until the idea strikes you. It’s a bit of a frustrating method, but it does produce great results.

Be on the lookout for my in-depth behind the scenes blogpost on prepping for a re-write.

Wilmar Luna

Wilmar Luna

Couldn't be a superhero in real life so he decided to write his own. When he's not creating empowered female characters he can be found watching films, reading books, and playing lots of video games. Buy his books here: https://www.thesilverninja.com/purchase/