It doesn’t happen very often.
Hardly at all.
But if on the odd occasion I do start to
read a book and find I’m not enjoying it, I have to stop.
I didn’t used to do this. I was one of
those readers who would carry on regardless. I would experience feelings of
guilt that I wasn’t getting absorbed by the story or characters which somebody
had put a lot of effort into. Therefore I would continue to read, trying to
ignore the lack of enthusiasm I had about picking up that particular book
again.
I think this is a fear many writers have
(and I include myself in this). That your opening chapters are not compelling
enough to keep your readers hooked.
When you pick up a novel which achieves
this in the first few pages, there is no other greater feeling.
I always remember advice like “You can’t
edit a blank piece of paper”, so I try to get my first draft down – then the
hard work begins later, as we all know, with tweaking, editing and polishing!
Reading is one of the most enjoyable,
fascinating and thrilling pastimes and knowing you’ve captivated your readers
from the beginning, (or at least hope you have) is what it’s all about.
So go on – Hook Those Readers and don’t let
them get away!
Julie X
About the author
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When single mum Chloe Jones wins a magazine competition to have TV heartthrob Ethan Blake live with her for a month, she thinks her dreams have come true. And the presence of the handsome star in her home and small Scottish town certainly causes a stir. But when Chloe begins to see his true colours, will she find the courage to face him, and admit where her heart truly lies?
About the author
I trained as a journalist but writing romance has always been a dream of mine. When I’ve not got my head in a book or drafting one, I write verses and captions for greetings card companies. Writing at home seems to be incredibly difficult for me – I usually require tea, music and noise.
My second romcom, "Hero or Zero" is out now. “Rock My World” was my debut romcom and I'm currently writing my third.
My second romcom, "Hero or Zero" is out now. “Rock My World” was my debut romcom and I'm currently writing my third.
I’m married, have two sons and live in Scotland.
Links:
http://julieshackman.wordpress.com/ (Blog address)
Publisher - Not So Noble Books (Link to their website below)
Blurb - "Hero or Zero"
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