The First Chapter
Of My Fantasy Fiction Novel
Yep, that’s right—I’ve been writing a fantasy fiction novel. Spent the last four years deep in worldbuilding—kingdoms, religion, culture, origin story—mostly locked in. I know where this thing is headed. But, like any writer worth their ink, I’ll be discovering the story as I go.
This first chapter? A certified “sh***y first draft”, as Anne Lamott so brilliantly put it in Bird by Bird (1994). Writing that ugly, chaotic first take is brutal, but necessary. Perfectionism is the graveyard of storytelling. You get lost tweaking one paragraph for three hours, and next thing you know, you’ve written exactly nothing.
So here’s to me throwing down words that ain’t ready but are getting there.
The Plan? A Trilogy.
Do I have a name yet? Nope.
Got suggestions? Drop ‘em in the comments. Epic, prophetic, and theologically rich is the vibe.
One More Thing—A Quick Disclaimer
This draft contains a little cussing—you’ve been warned. But the final book won’t. I want this to be less Game of Thrones, more Narnia—deep, weighty, symbolic, but accessible.
I’ve poured everything I have into this world, and I’m already seeing the symbolism emerge in ways that surprise even me. Pretty stoked.
Now, let’s get to it:
