An Exercise for Better Beginnings by Bryan Patrick Avery

6/15/2023

I hope you enjoyed our last post about universes and Calef Brown's Polkabats and Octopus Slacks: 14 Stories.

In today's newsletter, I want to share the fabulous Bryan Patrick Avery's Post about creating better beginnings from way back in 2020. Here it is:

In month two of our stay-at-home period, I’ve found myself with a bit of extra time to focus on my art. With respect to magic, I’ve been working on a new cups and balls routine that I plan to perform at my upcoming author appearances (once it’s safe to be out and around again). In the world of writing, I’ve working (struggling, really) with the beginning of my latest chapter book. I’ve spent the time reading the opening chapters of my favorite chapter books to see what they have in common, or what stands out. In doing so, I’ve made notes about the first chapter and have created a little exercise I’d like to share with you. I’m working on a chapter book so I used my favorite chapter books but this exercise with work with the first three or four pages of a picture book or the first chapter of a novel. Grab your favorite two or three (or five or ten) books off your bookshelf. Read the first chapter of the first book on your stack. Now, answer these two questions:

What is my main character doing?
What happens that impacts my character

Reviewing my notes on other books helped me see what was wrong with mine. Simplifying the action in chapter 1 helped me get the story on track and make for a much stronger beginning. This exercise helped me. I hope it will help you too.

Well, that’s all for this month, and have a magical month.

At the ripe old age of 7, Bryan Patrick Avery discovered his destiny after receiving a children’s magic set and his first Bobbsey Twins Mystery book. A published poet and author, Bryan is African American, a member of SCBWI, and the Society of American Magicians. He delights in making mysterious stories appear out of thin air.