Doing an Iain Banks

I've typed up a couple of chapters - not particularly long ones - whose makeup/style can only be described as Banksian. They are conversational and do meander a bit. But I like them very much and believe they help and entertain at the same time. They both need more work, but I never do anything in fine detail as a first pass.
I've also written a new chapter to fit in not too far from the beginning of the story. Once again, it's not too long and needs more work, but it does explain as well as show.
Realising that the narrative must roll, or flow, especially in the modern arena, has got to be a plus. My discussions with Dave Pimm and Noel 'The Ultimate Proofreader' Deighton have ensured that I must stop, think, go back. The beginning does need more than I have allowed it.
Now I need to look more at this beginning and ensure that the audience will be entertained, not just educated, as to the story itself. I'm a lover of poetry, and exposition, but I really need to take care over what is put before the reader, not just put there for myself.
I'm sure a rewrite of the original prologue will produce a result in the reader's knowledge and understanding of where the story began. The omission of the prologue, because of its flatline consistency, has caused a problem - or has caused me a problem. Any revision must come later, though, as there is a lot to get through before I can go back to it.
The opening poem pleases me. A few more tweaks and the end result should look far more like the intended result - which is very much a positive.
Always, there is this feeling as I write, that there needs to be something substantial already in the reader's thoughts before the opening words to the first chapter are read. It seems to me to be a must, a necessity. That I must ensure it. But equally, I also feel that, if everything is there, in front of my special team of readers, and even in front of literary agents, decisions can be made on what should be retained, or modified.
All small steps - all conscious steps, toward completion.

So it is that two of my heroes are dead. Tolkien and Banks. They now join such as Dickens, Lewis, Barrie. I do hope Dean Koontz and Stephen King stick around for a long time. I kind of feel a whole world is slowly disappearing. Then again, JK Rowling, Philip Pullman and MG Harris await me right around the corner. Can't be bad :-)
Gotta try and join them... x