Secrets of a Successful First Chapter

Why do many opening chapters fail to get an agent/editor's attention? How do you break the habit of throat-clearing?

News from my writing world: My second novel, A Woman’s Guide to Search & Rescue, released in October, was favorably reviewed in Blueline, the literary journal dedicated to the spirit of the Adirondacks. It was also chosen for Literary Aviatrix book club as the feature for August, and became a finalist for both the 18th National Indie Excellent Awards …