Revisions, day n

[feuervogel]

I made some cosmetic changes to the opening paragraph, then worked on the second scene. I added 68 words.

And I have a dilemma. Plot point A, the initial conflict, currently happens about 5 scenes (20 pages?) in. There's a spot in the first scene, around page 5, I could move it to, but I'm not sure I want to do that.

Pros: It would add that almighty end-all be-all (according to some) TENSION. It would get the story moving earlier.

Cons: There's not much time for setup of the world, or why this is so unusual.

I have the first chapter (ish) devoted to setting up the general conflicts, showing the MC's inner life and internal conflict, and showing that she expects some degree of normalcy and for the bad guys to be basically decent people.

I don't know. I want to make it interesting to people, but I don't want to force it. Thoughts?

Comments

[ranyart]

So much of pacing is subjective; I know there are people who want to see action INSTANTLY and others who are happy with a build-up. If it feels less forced for you to write it one way, I'd say go with that. You mention initial minor conflict and world-building, so it doesn't sound like nothing happens at first; if that's the case I would probably prefer your original plan.

[xjenavivex.livejournal.com]

not that i want you to have to write it both ways, but can you sort of read it through both ways in your head and see how it feels

i am willing to wade through good world building with slow tension build

on the otherhand, i like a good leap into a story at times too