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.

3 Ways to Gain Influence Online (That You Probably Haven’t Thought Of)

3 Ways to Gain Influence Online (That You Probably Haven’t Thought Of)

guest post by K.C. Neal

1. Provide Original Information

It seems like everyone is a content provider these days. It’s just so easy to start a blog or throw up a website. But how much of the content out there is truly original and useful? My background is in science and research, so I love data and original research. (Let’s hear it for writers who love advanced statistics! Hello…?) Last year, I put out a book blogger survey, and over 70 bloggers responded. One of the most popular posts on my blog is based on some of the data from that survey: The One Thing Book Bloggers Hate Most. It’s also one of my most commented-on non-giveaway posts. For all I know, I’m the only person who’s ever conducted a survey specifically aimed at book bloggers! That survey gave me tons of original information to share. I’ve written several posts about working with book bloggers and doing blog tours, and I’ve taught a couple of webinars on these topics. Ya see? Originality… authority… influence. Find ways to provide useful, original content, and I guarantee readers will get excited about it and be interested in what you have to say.

How to Gain Blog Traffic from Writing Communities

Please welcome Nicole Pyles my first guest blogger in the month long "Guest Post win a Kindle" event. Nicole describes herself as "
I am a writer social networker bookworm and blogger that loves spending her time with family books the bookstore and the beach." She shares some great info on blogging and some basic do's and don'ts. Find out more about Nicole here. Enjoy.

Photo Copyright by Nam Nguyen

Since June of 2011, I have been blogging about the writing process and everything that has inspired me to write along the way. I have blogged about things that I have learned and I also have reached out to several writing communities to help me out with some posts. But what I have noticed the most about those communities is that if you treat them right your blog can actually benefit and see some growth from those communities. But if you don't...you may find that you are all alone in a desert