Susie & Rachel’s thoughts: A couple things we wanted to point out – first, note the changed hook. Neither Rachel nor I like starting a book with dialogue or a full name. First, with dialogue it often feels too jarring, we don’t know who is talking, and the reader feels like they can’t catch up. Also, when we’re in deep POV, no one really thinks of themselves (usually) with their full name. So, look for ways to work in the name, maybe by bringing another character on the screen. We did it via Twila, the talk show host. I hope you can see the difference in effect between the two pieces… Again, if you’re interested in how to write a HOOK, go and read the past HOOK posts, […]
Read the RestTag Archives | Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Scene 1!
Here we go…chapter ONE, scene ONE of…??? (okay, we need to name our book!) Scroll to the bottom after you read the scene and I’ll discuss for a moment the choices I made in putting this scene together. Chapter 1.1 “Just once, I’d like to take the Oscar walk down Hollywood Boulevard in my jeans, a blue devil’s tee-shirt, and a pair of flipflops.” MacKenzie Grace pulled her wrap tight around her shoulders, even as the February chill found the liberal gaps in her dress and raised gooseflesh. A thousand lights blinked down at her from the Kodak Theater, and around her, limousines honked and maneuvered to the end of the red carpet. Exhaust mixed with the fragrances of a thousand starlets and the earthy smell from […]
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