Q: “Can you share some advice for getting through the first chapter?”

A: Karen Timberlake, author of Basic Chemistry, winner of a 2006 Texty Award:

“Skip the preface and get some words down. Once you have something written, you can go back and analyze and edit it.”

A: Ann McHoes, co-author of Understanding Operating Systems, winner of a 2006 McGuffey Award:

“Don’t start with chapter one. Start with the chapter you feel the most comfortable with. If possible, delay writing chapter one until you’re almost done with the project so you know exactly what you’re introducing in chapter one.”