Incanus
Auror
re: the original post, I have an approach you might try.
You've said the description/prose in the opening chapter isn't turning out as good as you'd like.
I would ask--when trying to edit it, did the prose or descriptions improve at all, even a little bit? Maybe try this in smallish steps. On one day, just make a couple of the verbs stronger, and rephrase one clunky sentence. On a different day, add a detail, and trim out some unnecessary verbiage. On yet another day, make the paragraphs a little punchier. Etc. Rinse and repeat.
The downside of going about it this way is that it doesn't ever feel like things are getting better, even as they are. I've seen some of my stuff go from 'meh' to sparkly, but only after tinkering with it many times.
If you've made any improvement at all, call it a win, and do it all over again.
You've said the description/prose in the opening chapter isn't turning out as good as you'd like.
I would ask--when trying to edit it, did the prose or descriptions improve at all, even a little bit? Maybe try this in smallish steps. On one day, just make a couple of the verbs stronger, and rephrase one clunky sentence. On a different day, add a detail, and trim out some unnecessary verbiage. On yet another day, make the paragraphs a little punchier. Etc. Rinse and repeat.
The downside of going about it this way is that it doesn't ever feel like things are getting better, even as they are. I've seen some of my stuff go from 'meh' to sparkly, but only after tinkering with it many times.
If you've made any improvement at all, call it a win, and do it all over again.
Myth Weaver
