Murder, She Wrote meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer? YAAAAAAAAAY!

As writers, we hear all the time that we’ve got to hook readers in just the first few pages or else. We’ve got to hook agents in the first few pages or else.

Whether you’re looking to get published or just hoping to hook your reader, first impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are the key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, and are crucial for keeping your reader engaged.
JEFF GERKE, THE FIRST FIFTY PAGES

This month I snagged from the New Release shelf:

The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society by C.M. Waggoner

This was a treat to read. I grew up on shows like Murder, She Wrote, so to see the back of this book mention a J.B. Fletcher-like protagonist tackling “a demonic murderer with an ironic sense of humor,” what is not to like? 🙂

Waggoner’s narrative voice is light-hearted and playful, including a fourth-wall break in poking fun at the writer. The opening pages are still quite thorough in providing characterization for protagonist Sherry Pinkwhistle without feeling like an information dump. There’s even a touch of mystery about our crime-solving librarian: why did she fall out with her fellow magic-loving best friend so many years ago? The structure of the writing as well as Pinkwhistle’s thoughts show readers that this is a little mystery about our main character before the main plot line’s even begun. It’s just enough so these first five pages can delight as well as intrigue. I’m in!

Let’s see what next month’s find will teach us, shall we?

In the meantime, I’ve found some music to share, some Witches to study, more books on writing, and mayhaps a venture into the fall season I love so much. And if I’m very, very good, I may even get Blondie to share some of her latest artwork. xxxxxx

Read on, share on, and write on, my friends!