Thanks Marianne and Diana for your advice. I think I've faced it.... I need to rip apart my first chapter and start it from scratch. Maybe the first three chapters. I've heard that some writers just chuck the first several chapters and start further into the story.
I don't know if I can go that far, but I believe a total revamp is in order. And I have no idea how I'm going to start it.
In the meantime I've been getting lots done on Where I'll Stay, which is the sequel to Sweet Forever. No blocks there so I'm letting it flow. Since it's all new stuff I can bring a notebook with me wherever I go and just write. At this rate, I'll have this wip done and out to a publisher before I'm through with Dreamer's Sea. But I love DS and I want to give it my best.
Even if that means ripping it apart.
At least the crits, for the most part, have been positive. People like the hero and heroine and that's pretty important. I just have to cut out the backstory. Yes, I said it... back story. I have it.... lots of it... HELLO, MY NAME IS CERI AND I'M A BACKSTORY JUNKIE.
Okay, I feel better.
And now for a little frivolty. (did I spell that right?)
Location: Southwestern, New Hampshire, United States
I'm 44 year old mom of 3. I work as a customer service rep for a publishing company, and I write. I have five published novels and working on adding to that.
THAT KIND OF MAGIC--AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 17,2010
What's a witch to do when she refuses to use magic to find love? Beautiful Wiccan Charlotte Noone has a shop for magical supplies and a goddess who's pushing her to find the man of her dreams. When Patrick Riordan, a straight-laced non-believer enters her life, Charlotte falls madly in lust with him. Despite their very different lives, neither can stop the erotic journey they’ve embarked on, but will it be enough to break through their barriers so they can accept that love itself is magical?.
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I'm a backstory junkie, too! Good luck with the rewrite. And have a great Thursday, Ceri!