That is the question.
Sort of.
My current WIP starts off with a dream. I've been told (a lot) that it's cliche, it gives a false start to the story, can be a let down when you realize that it's just a dream.
Honestly, I don't know. I can't use my own MS to judge because I know it's a dream, I know where the book is going, I know it's important. But the reader doesn't. I've also never read a book that started as a dream (except New Moon, which actually starts with a preface and Bella states she's 99.9 percent sure she's dreaming).
I posted the first five pages over at writeoncon and one response did mention starting with a dream. Then a friend read over my first chapter and said that she was kind of let down after the dream (yes, I still like her. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, even about my MS). She also gave me an idea of a way to start the chapter without the dream.
So last night I wrote a few paragraphs for new opening. I sent the new start out to my beta readers/critique partners and I'm getting mixed responses. A few yes, a few no, one in the middle. Still waiting on a few responses and trying to decide which way to go. In the end, it's my story, but I do value each and every opinion and comment from those that have read (they know who they are and all super awesome).
So my questions for everyone:
1. Have you read a book that started with a dream?
2. What are your thoughts about it.
3. Can you recommend any books that do start with a dream.
I welcome all and any comments!
XoXo
Mandie!
You know my opinion already. :) Whatever you do will be awesome because you're an incredible writer.
ReplyDeleteI have to ditto Melanie's response. I've read both versions, and both are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI have started books that started with a dream, but I rarely finish them. Most times, I'm browsing shelves, I pick up a book, see it's a dream beginning and I put it back down. I have actually read a few that started that way that have been good (can't remember names though, really sorry about that), but they are very few and far between.
ReplyDeleteI do have a friend though that's going that route, and I like her stuff, so it's hit and miss, but I typically shy away from reading it.
Hope that helps? Best of luck with the wip, either way!
I said it once, I'll say it again.... Love the cover!
ReplyDeleteIn other news:
I've enjoyed following your blog. Now you get a badge (if you don't already have it). I'm passing the Liebster Award to you for your writing. Thanks for sharing as you do.
http://wjsmithblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/share-wealth.html
Thought I was posting on the cover post, oops. Anyway, to go along with the question you posed, yes, I started a WIP with a dream. The editor said it was cool as long as I made it clear that it was a dream and that it went along with the story. So I left it. Hope it wasn't a no-no. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks all! Still unsure. :-/
ReplyDeleteThanks wendy! Will check it out. Also, in mine, you don't know it's a dream til she wakes up.
Anna's cover is so fabulous and gorgeous. I can't wait for the two of us to brainstorm something great for Anna's release.
ReplyDeleteYou know my opinion too :). In your case, the dream is important and relevant. But I understand why people might be let down after they realize that first scene is a dream.
ReplyDeleteWith questions like these about where to start the book or which scene goes where, I almost think it's better to finish the first draft and then go back and edit/move things. But that's just me.