My writing group told me to cut the first three chapters... and they were right

A friend in my local group in Austin said my fantasy novel started too slow and to just delete chapters 1 through 3, which felt crazy at the time. I tried it and the story instantly got better, starting right in the action. Has anyone else gotten advice that seemed extreme but totally fixed a project?

3 comments

3 Comments

barbara844d ago

Cutting big chunks always feels like a gut punch. I had to scrap my entire first act once because the real story started at chapter four. It hurts but you have to trust that feeling when the pace just clicks. Holding onto those early pages is often just pride. The best stuff begins when you stop clearing your throat and get to the point.

uma_baker997d ago

Delete three whole chapters? That's brutal.

hannah_wright7d ago

My first draft had a whole subplot about a sentient toaster. It was for the best.