Chapter 1...

Yesterday I finally finished writing the first chapter of the unnamed fantasy novel I'm writing...for the 3rd time. It's about 3300 words and looks pretty good to me. There is something bugging me about it that I can't quite figure out. I've gone over it twice since it's completion and have tweaked little things here and there, but I can't figure it out...something's missing. The first couple of chapters are the most important ones to me, since they basically lay the foundation for everything. All the main characters need introductions as well as the world I've created from scratch; it's a lot to sum up in a few thousands words without getting boring. I'm sure a lot of people can relate to the process and can agree with me that, quite frankly, it sucks.
     So if there's anyone out there reading these, shoot me an e-mail and let me know what you think of the whole writing process; how do you start? what methods do you use to get past writers block and such? I'd like to start a of forum of sorts for these things (I know there must be hundreds out there already) on the blog. I think it would be a great way to get some communication gowing throughout any and all readers of The Struggling Writer. You can contact me through the link in my profile. Take a look!