I’ve read published novels and unpublished manuscripts that don’t start at the beginning of the story. I’m not talking about the moment of conception of the protagonist as the “start,” rather the beginning of the current tale.

One book that I purchased was supposed to be historical. The author went on and on, AND ON about growing up Texas (USA). I remember the things that were written about, so how does that equate to being historical? I skimmed forward looking for the story. Nope. Skimmed forward more. Nope. The book went in the pile to be donated to a charity thrift store for the developmental delayed.

The point is to start the story at the beginning. Think about a movie or TV show. How do those start? Think about when recounting an occurrence to a friend. It starts at the beginning, not before the beginning, not sometime later. Hook the reader with the quest.

Then take the reader on the quest, with all the successes and failures as the story moves forward. The story has to move forward or you are wasting the reader’s time. Flashbacks grow wearisome. Follow a straight timeline and let the story unfold before the reader’s eyes. Don’t stop writing until the end of the story, or moan on long after the end.

Writers must consider their audience. Sure, your mother is going to tell you that the manuscript is great. Print it, read it aloud, preferable to someone who can comment and ask questions. If you’re going to be a fiction writer, put away the AI toys, take a writing class at university, and learn to write so that everyone says your writing is great, and your mom is right!