Alas, the Prologue Curse returns.

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

Well then, let’s study those first few pages in other people’s stories, shall we?

Today I snagged from the New Release shelf:

Death in the Dark Woods by Annelise Ryan

Don’t get me wrong, my fellow creatives—Annelise Ryan’s premise for Death in the Dark Woods carries promise of something weird and wild, and in Wisconsin of all places! As a fellow Wisconsinite, I’m all in for that kind of mystery.

While the prologue starts a bit slow with a hunter failing to shoot a buck, the tension and pacing quickly mount to a chaotic, lethal attack. Ryan provides just enough detail for readers to experience the terror without getting gory; plus, readers are left in the dark as to what kind of animal killed the hunter. Considering Bigfoot is mentioned in the dust jacket, we as readers can certainly make a guess or two, ahem.

Then the official Chapter 1 brings all that tension to a halt as we restart the story with protagonist Morgan taking care of customers and chatting up the Chief of Police. Once again, we get a fine hook of a prologue only to be reeled in for a slow first chapter. Now the Chief is asking if Morgan will speak to someone in the DNR, so I’m hoping this means Chapter 2 takes readers to the woods where the hunter died. I just wish the narrative didn’t require slamming the brakes on the pacing in order to do that. Still, I’m happy to support local authors, especially ones with a quirky premise like this. A cryptozoologist hunting down monsters in Wisconsin? Let’s go!

No matter what the season brings, keep reading!

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