Just when you thought it was safe to go to summer camp…
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 God of the Woods by Liz Moore
One can say a lot with a little, especially when you know your readers.
Moore’s opening line “The bed is empty” hits a nerve with anyone who has checked on loved ones sleeping, especially children. In the case of The God of the Woods, the opening focuses on counselor Louise discovering one of the campers, the child Barbara, is missing. The sections of opening text are tight scenes between her and another counselor, or her reflecting on the night before. Each section ends with a touch of a cliffhanger not unlike Lee Child’s structure in his Jack Reacher novels, which I appreciate. Such sections ensure there’s no time for off-topic information, for every second of a disappearance counts. The cliffhangers consistently allude to little things that deepen the severity of an already severe situation, too. Why wasn’t the other counselor doing her job? Why would Louise cheat on her partner? Why is it even worse that the child Barbara is missing rather than any other child? We readers want answers, so we keep reading. For those ready to kick the hornet’s nest of a past and run like hell, The God of the Woods may be just the mystery for you.
Let’s see what next month’s find will teach us, shall we?
Coming up, I’ve got another terrific interview, some rockin’ evil tunes, and more writing resources.
Read on, share on, and write on, my friends!
Jean Lee's World 
Thanks a lot for your observations on the need to capture readers’ (and agents’) attention in the very first pages.
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Many thanks!
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You’re more than welcome 💙
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Wow, that is an arresting start to a book.
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It definitely got my attention 🙂
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Part of me wishes I could spend all my time reading, Jean. I know that would make me somewhat one-dimensional, but there is so much interesting content to get to, but not enough time for it all.
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I know! On the one hand, I hate being so fussy about what I read, but at the same time, I want to make every reading minute count. That means cutting and running when it doesn’t feel worthwhile. I hope you’re well!
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Oh, totally agree. Plus I used to start books and never finish them so now I have a rule that unless it really sucks I finish the book which requires a bit of careful analysis at the start so you don’t get two hours in and go aaaaaack, this is terrible.
I actually read 300 pages of the Infinite Jest and finally threw in the towel. It was my second try and still, no resonance, despite everyone saying how great it was. 🤷♀️
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Hmm, I am liking this. Good one – and as always, great listening what you have said.
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Aw shucks, Chris, many thanks! Yes, I find this one interesting, too….of course, it helps Bo and I have been revisiting old 80s films like FRIDAY THE 13TH, lol.
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Very nice Jean lee,
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Many thanks!
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That looks such a good book xxxxx
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It’s quite promising so far!
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