Where Do You Start Your Story?

AlyssaHow do I get started?, Patricia Bradley, Plotting, Writing

by Patricia Bradley, @PTBradley1 We all struggle with where to start our stories. It’s been said a novel’s opening is the most important thing to nail, and you’ve heard the advice: don’t start too early—the reader has no idea where you’re coming from, don’t bore the reader, don’t confuse the reader.  I struggle with openings in every book I’ve written. I …

What Would You Tell Your Pre-published Self?

AlyssaAuthor Mistakes, Life Coaching, Patricia Bradley, Writer's life, Writing, Writing Life, Writing Life Coaching

by Patricia Bradley, @PTBradley1 As I stare at the cursor blinking on the first page of my thirteenth novel, my mind searches for anything to write except what I know I must. I have a deadline looming and I only have one chapter written.  The beginning of a book is the hardest for me. I don’t know my characters nearly well …