The First Paragraph

First, write however you want it, then you can go back and "fix it" in rewrites.

That said, I tend to prefer a structure especially with my nonfiction writing. With my reviews, for example, I have a format and structure so I don't ramble from review to review. The first paragraph is usually a very short introduction of a) what I'm reviewing, and b) what to expect in a nutshell.

I usually try to use a thesis statement as the last sentence in the first paragraph, even if its not simply an article or essay. I like the thesis statement idea. It makes me think the whole project through. Also, a thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph can make a really great waterslide for the reader to go down, and on into the rest of the material. I am trying to learn to write tighter, and really getting the method for a concise thesis is a good way to start. (IMO)

I want to ramble about ANYTHING that I'm interested in, which basically means anything I write about. Oh, I could ramble about the subjects and plots and characters in my writing for ages and ages.

That's what my personal journal is for. My story is for telling the story. So, I ramble in my journal, and tell the story in the story.

It's hard work at times to keep oneself from rambling if one has a lot to say, but it's the only way to get good writing done. Perhaps you need a different outlet to get out all the junk, then you can focus better on more to-the-point writing?

I imagine much the same thing applies to nonfic writing too, such as yours, but would not be certain.

Doesn't matter if it's fiction or non-fiction, the first para of any piece of writing needs to grab a reader's attention. Rambling first paragraphs will not encourage anyone to read on.

The answer is often to pick a strong item out of the piece and begin with that. I sold a newspaper article about an English potter who won an award in France. I began with the award, then went backwards to tell about how and why he became a potter, some stuff about what he did in England, then the family's move to France and their current situation. Which was really what the article was about. A lot of info to pack into 1,000 words, so no room for rambling. It came out at around 1,300 words initially, then got pruned.

I work the same way with short stories, but I love the freedom to ramble when writing novels. BUT, even with the freedom of 90 - 100,000 words, that first sentence - paragraph - page, even, has to be sharp and attention grabbing.

This happens to me a lot. Sometimes I ramble away in a separate word document, and save it although I'll never use it. It takes a lot of willpower to read it and say to myself "This is insightful, but does it help my story AT ALL?" If the answer is no, then I cut it. Your character, as a human being, could have a million complex thoughts a day. We all do, as humans. But they wouldn't all be relevant or even interesting in terms of a story.

It also helps to write a list of things you need to happen in that scene, and keep glancing at it.