Starting halfway through

[Glitch]

After reading some of my stories I've noticed they seem to start slow, spending several pages or more introducing things.

In one story it introduces us to the main character, who not knowing she has magical powers passes things off as coincidence and also shows the struggle she has with her family on a regular basis.

I don't think the start is boring, in fact I think it's relevant to the story and why the character does certain things, but its takes time to tell it. About a third of the way through and now that the character is aware of her abilities I feel that it has more bite and is perhaps more interesting in a shorter amount of words.

So my question is, do you like stories that start at the interesting part albeit half way through the plot and utilises flash backs or dialogue to explain the earlier parts of the story.

 

[Talysia]

In my opinion, I like the stories that start out right at the beginning, where the storyline can build right up to the interesting parts. I feel that I can get far more caught up in the storyline if I start right at the beginning than if I get thrown right into the action. It takes a while to write that way, but it adds to the overall effect.

 

[Dragonlady]

I agree. As long as it's not too slow, it's nice to get to know the character and their world before the real action starts

 

[Laura Stamps]

I'm speaking of novels, okay. But I don't like those that start on page one, sentence one with an action scene, like so many do these days, because I always feel lost...I don't know the characters or why anyone is reacting the way they are. I don't have any background info yet.

Having said that, I do like to start the novels I write with something interesting, a scene or confession, something that sparks interest, but not an action scene. Then I proceed with the plot and weave info into it, backtracking at times, kind of jumping around back and forth, but in a way that blends easily with the plot. It is a little strange, kind of like an abstract painting, but I have invented an experimental format for my novels that works well with this kind of plot structure.

On the other hand, I don't like to read novels that put all the info at the beginning, because that tends to bore me UNLESS it is beautifully written info and description. Then that is an interesting device in itself that carries me forward until I am caught up in the plot and have no desire to put the book aside.

Hope that answers your question!

 

[Green]

If your writing is good, then having a fairly lengthy establishment section won't be a problem.

Be very wary of boring your readers, though. You may love your characters and their families, but you have to make your readers love them too, or they'll put the book down.

Be aware, also, that if it is obvious to the reader that the character has "special powers," but she keeps passing it off as coincidence, for a long time, then that can be very frustrating.

 

[The Pelagic Argosy]

In one story it introduces us to the main character, who not knowing she has magical powers passes things off as coincidence and also shows the struggle she has with her family on a regular basis.

It looks like you have an important element for drawing readers into your story: conflict. Good conflict doesn't have to involve intense action, such as characters swinging swords or frying each other with magic beams. Personal conflict, such as family conflicts, will work just fine. Plus, it will be more relatable for your readers.

When you start editing, you might find that you can abridge the beginning a little bit. You might be able to combine some scenes or trim some fat. Make sure the focus of your early story is actually on the conflict and not the minutiae of your characters' "typical day." (A common novice mistake.)

Look at it this way: Tolkien spent forever with the Hobbits and the beginning of Fellowship. You would just be following in the footsteps of the master.