I just got done with my judging sprint for the year–both pubbed and unpubbed. Whenever I judge unpublished manuscripts there is always one or more that make the same mistake–starting in the wrong place. This takes a couple of forms–one is the dreaded back story dump. You know the narrator/POV character telling you everything that ever happened before in their life? But it can also be just starting before the action–so you (the reader) get dragged along as the POV character journeys (physically or emotionally) to where the real story starts.
This can take pages–even chapters. Pages and chapters that if I wasn’t judging I would never have read because I would have slapped that puppy down and trotted off to watch whatever reality TV program I had recorded on my DVR.
To protect the innocent, I’m not going to go any further into what not to write–but instead thought I would give an example of a book that 
starts in the right place. Risk Everything by my friend Sophia Johnson.
The story opens with the heroine sneaking out of the castle and putting on chain mail. In the opening pages we aren’t drowned in explanation as to why the heroine would be donning mail–we just see her do it. We also aren’t forced to live through the raids, and the threatening notes that proceeded this early morning adventure. Nope, that is just dropped in later when it becomes necessary for us to know it. So, we are left free to just experience what the heroine and hero are experiencing as they do.
Leaving out things like the history of the raids is hard for a writer. I think historicals in particular like to tell you all this stuff up front, but really, if you can keep yourself from doing it, for me it makes for a much more entertaining read. (have I mentioned I skip almost all prologues too?)
How about you? What is your tolerance for slow beginnings?
Lori
One last mention–for great handling of back story, check out Jennifer Cruisie. She is the prime example of how little back story a book really needs. Fab!!
I usually give a book three chapters (sometimes more or less, depending on the book) before I decide if I want to continue reading.
Unfortunately, I’m not as sure-footed in my own writing. I’m struggling with my current WIP, unsure of whether I’ve started it in the right place or not. And I’m just doing the summary right now!
I suppose I’ll be able to look at it more objectively once it’s written.
by Lynn Daniels February 7th, 2006 at 12:19 pm