I finally got my hands on Nothing To Lose by Lee Child. And now I give myself a lttle kick for waiting so long. I justified not rushing out to buy it this time by concentrating on my WIP. But, I just had to put it aside and dive into the latest book by my favorite thriller writer.
At the speed of a thousand startled Gazelles I ploughed through Nothing To Lose. As usual, I just couldn't put down the page-turning adventures of Jack Reacher. I don't want to give away any spoliers, but I just want to add that I enjoyed the couple of slight 'flaws' creeping in for the main character.
I'm a big fan of Mr Child's style of writing, in particular when his books are written in the third person point of view.
Another great read.
JJ
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Thursday, 31 July 2008
The First Chapter
I've had a few questions lately along the lines of - 'how important is the first chapter?', 'how do you know where to start the book?' and 'should I give the background information for the story up front?'.
The first chapter is where the author has the opportunity to grip the reader's attention. Get them involved so they know that this is a story that won't be putting down real soon. The first chapter should introduce your main character/s in a situation of conflict. And that situation should announce the theme of the book.
The first chapter should start just before a major scene or the build up to one. For example, in my first book the main character finds himself on the wrong side of his favoured skill, interrogation. I introduced the main character in a situation of conflict and in a seemingly impossible circumstances that he needs to escape from.
A lot of first-time writers want to start their book with background information that they think the reader would need to know. I tend to think this is because authors spend so much time developing their character/s that we want to impart all of that information to our reader straight away. Not necessary. A paragraph here or there throughout the book in the narrative or through dialogue can fill in the gaps on background information that value-adds to the story.
The first paragraph needs to captivate or hook the reader. Give them something that spikes their interest to keep on reading. Last thing we want to do is bore the reader - that applies to the whole story, but to do it in the first paragraph can lose a lot more potential readers. I also think it is important to introduce the main character into the first paragraph. It lets the reader know who they are dealing with for the rest of the book. It gives them an initial visual that will shape their perceptions along the journey.
First chapters take time to get right. Don't be afraid of spending the extra time on this part of the book. We need to get it right for our readers. So, no backstory or flashbacks (and please no dream scene straight away), introduce your main character in a sitaution of conflict and make sure we hook the reader right from the start.
JJ
The first chapter is where the author has the opportunity to grip the reader's attention. Get them involved so they know that this is a story that won't be putting down real soon. The first chapter should introduce your main character/s in a situation of conflict. And that situation should announce the theme of the book.
The first chapter should start just before a major scene or the build up to one. For example, in my first book the main character finds himself on the wrong side of his favoured skill, interrogation. I introduced the main character in a situation of conflict and in a seemingly impossible circumstances that he needs to escape from.
A lot of first-time writers want to start their book with background information that they think the reader would need to know. I tend to think this is because authors spend so much time developing their character/s that we want to impart all of that information to our reader straight away. Not necessary. A paragraph here or there throughout the book in the narrative or through dialogue can fill in the gaps on background information that value-adds to the story.
The first paragraph needs to captivate or hook the reader. Give them something that spikes their interest to keep on reading. Last thing we want to do is bore the reader - that applies to the whole story, but to do it in the first paragraph can lose a lot more potential readers. I also think it is important to introduce the main character into the first paragraph. It lets the reader know who they are dealing with for the rest of the book. It gives them an initial visual that will shape their perceptions along the journey.
First chapters take time to get right. Don't be afraid of spending the extra time on this part of the book. We need to get it right for our readers. So, no backstory or flashbacks (and please no dream scene straight away), introduce your main character in a sitaution of conflict and make sure we hook the reader right from the start.
JJ
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Dialogue
I love writing dialogue. I think I could write a whole novel of dialogue. Sadly, I don't think readers want a complete story of dialogue alone. Anyway, thought I'd share some interchanges between characters in my WIP. Enjoy.
“I'm Detective Peterson and this is Detective Green.” The female looked up and nodded. “For legal purposes, this interview is being recorded by the two cameras you see in the room. They are being controlled by a Police Officer behind the mirror. Do you understand?
Jay nodded, knowing he needed to agree aloud for recording purposes.
“You will have to give a verbal response to all questions asked.”
“What if I don’t want to respond?”
“Well you’ll have to give a verbal response that you don’t want to respond.”
“That doesn’t make sense, Detective Peterson. By giving the verbal response, I am responding. So it defeats the purpose of not responding.”
The two Detectives looked at one another and Peterson looked at the mirror before staring back at Jay. “Just answer the questions you want to answer verbally, not just by nodding or shrugging. Okay?”
Jay felt like nodding, but didn’t want to push it - yet. “Yes.”
“Good. Now, for the record, could you state your full name and address?”
Jay did and added, “Would I be able to see your official identification, please?”
The Detectives looked at one another again before Peterson spoke. “We're in a Police Station and I have told you who we are.”
Jay shrugged. “You never know.”
They took out their badges and held them up quickly for Jay to see. He only wanted to know their first names – Stephen and Joanna.
“Satisfied?” Peterson asked. The red rising in his cheeks.
Detective Green looked at Jay. “Okay…Mr Ryan. Mind if I call you Jay?” Her voice was soft and inviting.
“Mind if I call you Jo?”
“Umm…”
“What the hell are you playing at, Ryan?” Peterson almost burst out of his seat. “This is bullshit. You want to jerk us around? Stop with the smartass comments and just answer the questions.”
JJ
“I'm Detective Peterson and this is Detective Green.” The female looked up and nodded. “For legal purposes, this interview is being recorded by the two cameras you see in the room. They are being controlled by a Police Officer behind the mirror. Do you understand?
Jay nodded, knowing he needed to agree aloud for recording purposes.
“You will have to give a verbal response to all questions asked.”
“What if I don’t want to respond?”
“Well you’ll have to give a verbal response that you don’t want to respond.”
“That doesn’t make sense, Detective Peterson. By giving the verbal response, I am responding. So it defeats the purpose of not responding.”
The two Detectives looked at one another and Peterson looked at the mirror before staring back at Jay. “Just answer the questions you want to answer verbally, not just by nodding or shrugging. Okay?”
Jay felt like nodding, but didn’t want to push it - yet. “Yes.”
“Good. Now, for the record, could you state your full name and address?”
Jay did and added, “Would I be able to see your official identification, please?”
The Detectives looked at one another again before Peterson spoke. “We're in a Police Station and I have told you who we are.”
Jay shrugged. “You never know.”
They took out their badges and held them up quickly for Jay to see. He only wanted to know their first names – Stephen and Joanna.
“Satisfied?” Peterson asked. The red rising in his cheeks.
Detective Green looked at Jay. “Okay…Mr Ryan. Mind if I call you Jay?” Her voice was soft and inviting.
“Mind if I call you Jo?”
“Umm…”
“What the hell are you playing at, Ryan?” Peterson almost burst out of his seat. “This is bullshit. You want to jerk us around? Stop with the smartass comments and just answer the questions.”
JJ
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Five Quick Questions with Ed Lynskey
Ed Lynskey's first two books are mysteries featuring his P.I. Frank Johnson: THE DIRT-BROWN DERBY and THE BLUE CHEER. His latest release, a thriller titled PELHAM FELL HERE has recived great reviews form the likes of James Crumley, James Rollins, Kevin O'brien and Anne Frasier.Ed has kindly agreed to join us and answer five quick questions.
What's one thing we may not know about Ed Lynskey?
Years ago I took a complete spin around the Indianapolis International Speedway. The guide told us where everybody had wiped out and gave us a card of proof at the end.
What television show would you like to make a guest appearance on?
Career-wise as an author, OPRAH, without a doubt would punch your ticket.
If using a time machine, the DICK CAVETT SHOW with Janis Joplin as a co-guest or the STEVE ALLEN SHOW with Lenny Bruce as a co-guest.
What's your greatest sporting moment?
I scored the only run in a Pony League game for our baseball team. I even made the box score even if they misspelled my name.
What's your ideal holiday destination?
Bermuda in August. Great food and greater views.
How many comments to this blog post would I need to have you read and comment on my first thriller, The Interrogator?
No blog comments are needed for me. I was already intrigued enough to read it. Best of luck with it and for having me aboard, sir!
Thanks, Ed. Please check this website for all of the details of Pelham Fell Here.
JJ
If you enjoyed this interview, why not have a look at my other interviews with Will Lavender, Kelly Curtis, Lisa Unger, JA Konrath and Laura Benedict.
Friday, 4 July 2008
The Value of Writing Related Websites
I don't keep it a secret that the time I have spent in the last year or so at the AbsoluteWrite website, has helped me get a fantastic publishing deal.
I have now discovered another wonderful writing site called The Writers Block. Another fantastic site for writers to gather in a forum and exchange ideas and encourage each other toward their writing goals. This forum caters for all genre and for those just starting out to published authors.
Sometimes writers can feel isolated in chasing their dreams. I never felt that way whilst writing Interrogated, because I had the support and encouragement from an online writing community.
Whatever your writing goal may be, do yourself a favour by joining an online writing community. You won't regret it.
JJ
I have now discovered another wonderful writing site called The Writers Block. Another fantastic site for writers to gather in a forum and exchange ideas and encourage each other toward their writing goals. This forum caters for all genre and for those just starting out to published authors.
Sometimes writers can feel isolated in chasing their dreams. I never felt that way whilst writing Interrogated, because I had the support and encouragement from an online writing community.
Whatever your writing goal may be, do yourself a favour by joining an online writing community. You won't regret it.
JJ
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