1) First chapters are all important when
it comes to capturing a reader’s attention. Not everything
written gets read you know. How would you go about changing the
first chapter (or any section thereof) to make it more interesting?
2) Now that I think about it, it isn’t so much
the first chapter as the first paragraph that is really
important. Most folks never even read the entire first chapter
before making a decision as to whether it will be worth their while to
read what follows, so try your hand, give it a whirl, and juice up that
first paragraph. Share what you have written with other members
of your group. As you do, be sure to say things like, “That was
easy!” or “I don’t see what the big deal is,” and so on.
3) Actually, that whole thing with the first
chapter, section, or paragraph is pretty much a joke. In the end,
most folks don’t get past the first word. So with that in mind,
what is THE very best word to begin a story with? What is the
second best? Third? How about the worst?
4) Now that you have the selected the best
possible word to start your story, write it down on a sheet a
paper. From there the rest should be easy -- simply let the story
flow.
Example: Xylophone
Xylophone... it was perhaps the worst possible word
with which to begin a story, and Levi was at a loss as to what to do
about it. He had written the ill gotten word at the top of a
sheet of paper and now there was nothing to be done. Thousands of
hours, countless days later, he would realize his mistake, but for now
he drolled on inanely. Xylophone! Who starts a story with
Xylophone?
See how easy it is? Or...
Xylophone! A Xylophone!? What was the
man in the red hat doing with a Xylophone? And why was one of his
shoes yellow and the other green?
This example is perhaps even better than the first,
as it introduces mystery and intrigue into the story right from the
very start!!!
5) The names of some of the characters could
be better. Think of better names for each of the principles and then go
through the manuscript and replace the tired old names I used with
whatever fresh and invigorating names you have decided upon.
While you are at it, you might want to give the manuscript a once over
for spelling and grammar.
6) Pick a chapter section at random (say 1-6
Discontent) and read it over and over and over and over and over and
over, and over again until you are unable to concentrate, and the words
on the page fade away. Congratulations. You are now
editing. Yippie! Repeat this process indefinitely until
your superiors approve of your work. This process works best if
you have two or more superiors who have fundamental disagreements in
regards to grammar, style, and content. Whenever possible lock
said supervisors alone in a small room with nothing more than your
manuscript, an inkpot, and a single razor sharp quill between the two
of them. Once locked up, do not let them out! Ever!
Even if by some remarkable coincidence they should eventually come to
some sort of agreement about the merits -- or lack thereof -- of your
work.
7) There are three layers of Transparency
within this novel. Logically, there should exist at least one
additional layer at either end. What do we know about these
layers? What do we think we know about these layers? Is it
possible that the unseen layer at the top connects with the unseen
layer at the bottom? If so, there would only be four layers
instead of the previously implied five. What sort of
pan-dimensional geometric shape would the resulting four layered loop
create? Would it be more like a donut? Or a Mobius
strip? If artistically inclined, you may draw a sketch and post
the result on the door to your communal meeting -- assuming hall if you
have one.
8) How would the story be different if Lily
couldn’t read? If she couldn’t write? If she wasn’t so
madly in love with the author?
9) The Serpio story arc will be taking place
in a fantastic future. Obviously this could have taken place just
as well in a mythical past. As you read along, work out this
unseen (and untold) story as best that you can. As you do, notice
how little difference there is between visions of the future and
visions of the past.
10) I had a hard time coming up with Serpio’s name,
whereas Daisy’s name was relatively easy to arrive at. Why might
this be the case? If additional village girls are to be
introduced to the story (further relations of Lily and/or Daisy), what
do you suppose their names might be? Feel free to imagine them
dancing (semi/and or half) naked on the beach if you are so inclined.
11) What type of author includes study questions
within the midst of his novel? Does this imply greatness?
Insanity? Or possibly both?
12) Arrogance aside, really, why might an author
include study questions? Come to think of it, why might an author
split a chapter up into ten sections and then put multiple pause marks
within each section?
13) How fast can you reread the first chapter?
How slow? Note, if you’re not measuring time in days, you’re
probably not trying hard enough. Why might this be
important? Why not give it a try and see...