My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is another on my list of “books on writing that I have collected and never read”. One of my goals this year was to get to taking some of those off the TBR list.
This one says it will help you learn to create openings to stories that will almost guarantee you an audience that will want to read your story. It also claims to be able to help you overcome the weak beginnings that cause agents and editors to simply stop reading and pass on your work. He provides examples throughout the book of openings that (in his opinion) are analyzed for what works and why they keep the reader’s interest. He talks about common mistakes that writers make and how to avoid them. There are sections on setting up the main problem at the onset (without giving too much away or overexplaining to the point of boredom) and a lot of other advice.
If you have read a lot of other books and articles that try to help writers become better, a lot of this will be familiar. But, like me, you may also pick up a few new ideas and techniques to try. And, if you do struggle with coming up with that perfect opening, this book just might help you figure out how to improve.
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My latest published book:
“Crossed Wires and Other Very Short Stories”. Twelve scifi and twelve fantasy short stories that can each be read in minutes. Available now Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, and most other e-book retailers. More information here
I have written science fiction, fantasy, and urban fantasy stories. There are novels, novellas, and shorter pieces to fit everyone’s reading time. There are even some free stories, both here on the site and in other places. You can go here to find out more about the books I have published. They are available at Amazon, Smashwords, and most ebook retailers. Thank You
And So On... 