Beware of Mommie Dearest…

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:

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

I’ve sampled two of T. Kingfisher’s past books on this podcast, and this third edition doesn’t disappoint, either. Huzzah!

A Sorceress Comes to Call provides a slow burn for the magic balanced with a dark, relatable setting. Outsiders may only see a mother and her teen daughter attend church and go home, but as readers we listen to Cordelia’s thoughts and learn her mother is controlling her body, her voice—everything. Cordelia must be made “obedient” when out in the world, and Cordelia is growing more and more desperate to break free of her mother’s control. It’s a beautifully layered opening of the “normal” conflicts—rebellious teen in church, mother and daughter don’t get along—with the fantastically not-normal—mother using magic to control daughter’s being. I’m not very familiar with the Brother Grimm’s “Goose Girl” on which this is based, and that actually makes me even more excited to keep reading as I won’t be able to predict where this goes.

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

And as for regular posting here, I’ve got an Author Interview coming (yay!), editing resources, and some reflection on my Autistic sons facing big change.

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