Hook Readers With a Strong Beginning

Yesterday at the monthly meeting of my writers' group, several handouts were distributed. I made the time to sit this morning and read them over.
Am I glad I took the time, because this one is excellent: from the July/August 2009a issue of Writer's Digest, Hook Readers With a Strong Beginning, by Les Edgerton.

With a crisp and witty writing style, Mr. Edgerton entertained me as well as reinforced things I've been encouraging for the past few years: where and what NOT to start a book with, ie a dream sequence, a ringing alarm clock or phone, too much or too little dialogue.

Just wanted to share this with you all.
Peace,
Kathy

The Dog Days of Summer

That's an actual sunset on Lake Ontario taken last weekend, and it's a gentle reminder that summer across the country is drawing to a close. In some states, the kids have already begun to go back to school and those that haven't are busy shopping for new sneakers, backpacks and the various items that are requested by the teachers.

Does the end of summer excite you or make you sad? It seems as if there are two camps in this - those that eagerly anticipate the structure and scheduled days and nights of the school year and those that long to keep their toes buried in the sand for a bit longer. I have to admit to being a little bit of both - I love the summer sun, the heat, the long lazy days and nights that go on forever, but I also love it when the kids have to get up and out of the house and actually "do" something with their time. lol.

Whether you have kids in school still or not, September is a new year for most of us and with that new year hopefully some resolutions. We have a few months before the dreaded holiday season kicks off - use your time wisely, get that manuscript submitted or edited or even finished! Set a deadline for yourself and stick to it, even if its only to write for 30 mins every day. Whatever you have to do to get to the end do it. Remember if you write 1 page a day in a year you'll have a whole book.

Before we seriously head into fall though, don't forget that all this month we're celebrating the hottest line in the garden - Scarlet Rose. If you've never picked up one of these sizzling reads this is the time to do it. All our titles in the wilder garden are on sale. Just be careful, you may need more than a glass of lemonade to cool off after these hot reads.

Enjoy the rest of summer everyone and remember to take some time out for you - read, write and or simply close your eyes and let your mind brainstorm some wonderful story idea.

Rhonda Penders
Editor-in-Chief