Stressing over the start

[lagilman]

The original outline for TDW#2 opens with Izzy on her own, her companions meeting up with her later. Story-wise, this makes absolute sense, and would tie in with how I left things at the end of SILVER ON THE ROAD.

But.

But. Is that really a good move, story-wise? Wouldn't it make more sense, having found companions, that at this stage in her life she'd cleave to them? (which would also tie in with how I left things at the end of SILVER ON THE ROAD). And maybe the NEXT book, open on her own?

I'm dithering. And until I decide, I can't move forward. Which is making me all sorts of cranky.

And how we open determines much of how we go on, so I can't half-ass it with the idea of revising, later (it may come to that, but I can't start with that mindset).

argh.

Feedback, from a) people who read SILVER and b) anyone who feels comfortable commenting blind?

Comments

[sharpwords.livejournal.com]

I haven't read the end yet, but my gut feeling based on the rest is that, like you said, having built those bonds Izzy would stick with her companions.
It also fits better in my reader-brain for an overall trilogy (Act 1: gain companions; Act 2: loses companions; Act 3: regains companions). Unless of course you want to bust through that trope.

[lagilman]

I live to bust up tropes. :-)

Also, since this isn't intended to be a trilogy, but rather three connected books....

[sharpwords.livejournal.com]

Well, just ignore everything in my comment from "It also fits..." :)
I still stand by my gut feeling even if my reasoning doesn't fit!