Want to Hook Your Reader Immediately?

There’s something so thrilling and delicious about reading a really hooky first sentence or engaging first pages in a book – you just know you’re about to be taken on a great ride.

Is there a writer on the planet who doesn’t want their first pages to thrill, delight and intrigue?

I’m guessing no.

And on a practical level – first pages are generally the first thing judges, editors, publishers and assessors get to see of your work.  So take a moment to answer these questions.

There’s no right answer – they’re simply a list of provocations to help you ensuree your first pages are as awesomely shiny as they can be.

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What Writers Can Learn From Donald Trump

Like many people around the world, I’ve been watching the vaudeville show that constitutes the Trump presidency with incredulity and growing disquiet.  Given his kneejerk responses to just about everything and I think the world can be forgiven for being slightly nervous.

But where’s this worrying going to get us? In truth it will get us about as far as me posting my outrage on Facebook i.e. absolutely nowhere.

All I can really do is try to get something positive from the situation. So here it is – here are five things writers can learn from watching this hot mess unfold…

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10 Excellent Reasons To Join A Writers Group

I’m frequently asked by writers how they can keep themselves motivated and keep their project moving forward. This is a challenge I’m very familiar with so I duly offer up a bunch of tips and techniques I’ve developed over the years, and the one that really works for me consistently is – be accountable to somebody.

There’s nothing like somebody waiting for you to deliver to give you a case of the giddy-ups.

And how would it be if it wasn’t just one person waiting for you to deliver but a whole bunch?

Ladies and gentlemen – I give you – the writers group.

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