Many of you know that in addition to writing my blog, I am also working on a novel. After many years, I’m on my sixth revision and close to the end of this process. However, I’m not sure where to start the book. Critics say “Start in the middle or start with action.” So with that in mind, I’m going to preview two potential first pages. When reading the two samples, what I want to know is:
1. Which did you like better?
2. Would you turn to the next page?
3. Would you read a book like this?
Please know that I’ve taken countless writing classes, and as a result have very thick skin on feedback. You CANNOT hurt my feelings. If you do not like either sample, tell me.
Just so you know, below is what I’d tell an agent the book is about:
The Good One is the story of eighteen-year-old Kate Bennett, a girl who always follows the rules, obeys her parents, and sets an example for her sisters. When she decides to be a missionary instead of going to college, her mother says, “Over my dead body.” A month later, her mother dies.
Burdened with guilt, Kate joins The Ark, an evangelical school where she idolizes Pastor Steve, its charismatic leader. Kate falls in love with his nephew and gets engaged. But things don’t go as expected when Kate’s closest friend reveals Pastor Steve’s dark secret. Lost and searching for answers, Kate must choose whether to stay at The Ark or leave the place where she’s put all her hopes and dreams.
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To read the first page samples, click on the link below. After a week or so, I will publish the results and share the rest of the winning chapter with you all. Thanks in advance!
Sample first pages rev1
*If for some reason the link is not working, go back to www.valsroad.com and click on the link directly from my front page.
