Hi,
18 months after finishing my first novel, with hundreds of edits, redrafts and rewrites (or so it feels), I am finally ready to say "that's it, it's ready to go." My only problem is I still have a niggling feeling that the first few chapters are slightly stilted and lack lustre. I've uploaded the prologue and first couple of chapters for honest feedback. I would like to say I can take the harshest of criticisms, but I am fragile and this is my baby, so if you could be honest without making me cry, I'd really appreciate it! :-)
By the way, hi everyone.
Sarah

Sarah,

Welcome! I wouldn’t worry about getting harsh criticisms, everyone is really nice.

Grinder

Sarah, welcome. People on WW are very respectful of what you say you want/can take in the way of criticism, so don't worry. There's a lot of support on offer here, and whatever stage you're at, plenty of people who've been there and will share their experience; you just have to ask.

Emma

Hello there. Not much to add to the above, except to say welcome to WW.

JB

Experience has taught me that if I think a chapter is not as good as it could be, then it probably isn't as good as it could be. If you still have doubts about the opening of your book, change it. I know it's hard to rewrite a beginning, but when you think that it's within the first two or three pages that an agent or publisher has made their mind up...

Hi, Sarah. Welcome and all the best with the development of your work. I have learned a great deal from people who are generous enough to give their opinions here.

Sheila

Hello and welcome to the site.
Kat

Thanks everyone, I have to say it's hard to believe just how nice and supportive people are on this forum. I've been lurking for a while, but never had the courage to join in.

I have just looked at your first posting and wanted to say that it's too long. About 2,000 words is more or less the limit, I've found, of what people are prepared to look at. If you could divide it up into sections I think you'll get more responses.

Sheila

<Added>

Oh, I just looked to see which group you had posted to and find you are not attached to any group. How did you do that?

Sheila

Thanks for the tip Sheila! I've shortened the first posting to just the prologue and chapter 1. I have only just joined, and have applied to the beginners group. Still kind of finding my way around.

OK. Good Luck.

Sheila