First Chapters

First Chapters

By Roy Hayward

I like first chapters.  I have to confess that I have read many more first chapters than I have last chapters.  Many many more.  As an aspiring writer, I also write first chapters.  Again, I write many more first chapters than last chapters.  This is because I often end up re-writing first chapters after I get to the last chapter, and because I have started more stories than I have finished.

A first chapter is just like the opening line, it needs to capture the reader and make him or her want to read more, want to read the second chapter, and hopefully the last.

This is something to think about if you are writing.  Recently, I wrote a first chapter.  Here it is, please tell me if it makes you want to read more.

Belle Overwhelmed

So if you follow the Belle you know she runs at warp 9 most days and only slows down due to illness, injury, or incarceration. Well I've recently opened Belle Consulting. Something I am immensely proud of and requires more time. While I still read like a demon possessed I don't always have the time to review like I used too. It is heart breaking to turn down reviews or not even have time to respond. So I'm going to do something I hardly ever do. I'm asking for help. The Belle of Boise is inviting those who are interested to apply to be a reviewer for The Belle of Boise.

What you'll get

• You'll have your own reviewer page where we will list your bio, picture, contact info, genres preferred and forms that you read. ie. eBook print

• You'll be added as an admin to post your reviews. 

• All your social media contacts will be added

• Your own signature

•  Your posts will be shared on all my outlets

What is Expected

• Reviews should be honest, concise, include buy links, cover art and product description. 

• Posted in a timely manner.

• If I see you posting a book I have a problem with I will not let you review it here. I don't have a list of what's ok because I'm pretty easy going. So it's shouldn't be a big deal

How it will work

• A Google Calendar will be created. I would like for reviews to be posted on Fridays. Post the book you want to review on what day. This will help us stay organized. If you find a blank Friday and want to post something go ahead.  You will have requests come in over time. I get them myself and will forward any I can't do and you can choose from them. 

• Or if you got a book from a blog tour you signed up for, one you bought, or one you borrowed from the library those are great too. 

• You can do your own interviews or giveaways with authors as well.

If interested please go here and fill out the questionnaire and good luck.

Writer Wednesday: The Betas Part Two

Remember last week when i talked about how I was working with a critique partner or beta reader? You don't! Well go back here and then come back.


Status Now

• Since last Tuesday I have sent Mafia Seduzione my romantic thriller to my beta. I sent him a couple chapter and a blurb and finalized the cover art. At this point I am still waiting to hear back from him. 
• Since last Tuesday I sent my first chapter of Forever Witch my paranormal romance to my beta. She sent that back. I sent her the additional 8,000 words I wrote. She's gone over that and now it's waiting for me to go over it.

Thoughts on betas so far

I'm still sold that is a very positive thing. My great expectation is that it will make it much easier on the editors for my publishing houses I have come to care and appreciate at Stone House and Astraea.
Audrey(Astraea) and Chris (Stone House) I have worked with before and have not only a tremendous amount of admiration and respect for but desire greatly to make their burdens lighter. They do so much and like people that do a lot behind they scenes don't get much recognition.

Thoughts on two novels at once

I'm still very happy with that. My motor is rearing with Forever Witch right now. And that has worked out for the best since my Mafia beta hasn't got back to me yet. It's like I'm going with the flow. Usually being the control freak I am I would be freaked which would have stinted any flow at all. This way I'm much more productive.

So what's your thoughts? Your techniques?

Writer Wednesday: Critique Partners/Beta Reader...WTH Part 1

I know what you're thinking. But that's what the heck. You have a dirty mind! Shame Shame...If you know me then you have noticed that my online presence has tone down drastically. Why might you ask? Because I finally got the point. I'm wearing people out. I've also been busy doing what should always be the top priority and that is reading and writing. (No... no rithmetic.)