Elizabeth George, in her book Write Away, addresses this issue. On p. 57, she discusses having a running plot outline that has her block out her scenes, sort of like the notes of a screenplay. During this outline, she decides: “Will I start in the midst of an action and then back off and tell how we got there? Will I start with a line of dialogue and then back off and set the scene? Will I set the scene and then begin the action? Will I be in someone’s mind?”

I highly, HIGHLY recommend the book if you find yourself with some spare change, some spare time, and some spare gas to get you down to the bookstore. )

-Susan

In the current WiP, my real question has been, “What if I’m starting at the wrong place in the story?” And instead of helping, it’s being something of a stumbling block. I’m thinking of starting over in a different place and seeing what happens.

I loved “looking behind the curtain” at your process! My what if’s are never so concrete. I sort of have a vague idea, and then I have to write, re-write, get back editor’s notes, and THEN I discover the what if’s dominoing off my original what if. Uh, am I making sense? It’s late here. ;o)

-Susan