You've Got Five Pages, Northwoods by Amy Pease, to Tell Me You're Good.

You've Got Five Pages, Northwoods by Amy Pease, to Tell Me You're Good.

Release Date: 02/23/2024

Description: The first chapter can make or break a reader's engagement with a story. We as writers must craft brilliant opening pages to hook those picky readers, so let's study the stories of others to see how they do it! What a delightful find! Amy Pease’s debut Northwoods is yet another mystery set in Northern Wisconsin, but I promise you, this prose and establishing chapter promise some fun thrills in the future. Her first chapter is only two pages long, yet in those two little pages, we see our protagonist Eli down on his luck and himself, floating alone out on a lake in the middle of the night, sipping whiskey and reflecting on life. We’re not told he’s sad or depressed—we see it. Plus, the vivid sensory details of the night woods around him add to the isolation of the setting while also helping us feel Eli’s loneliness…that is, until something strange floats into his vicinity. At the end of that chapter he swims quickly ashore, unsettled, and reaches for his scanner. A couple of pages into the second chapter, we learn he’s not only in law enforcement, but a military veteran. So, if something in the water scared HIM, then we as readers can only imagine it wasn’t good. Sure, I’m naturally a little biased for Wisconsin-set stories, but Pease does a marvelous job of balancing world-building information with active narrative. This keeps the story’s pace in motion while readers continue to learn about life in this little vacation spot in Wisconsin. For those seeking a little mystery outside the gritty city life, Amy Pease is sure to transport you into the dark, unknown wild of the North Woods. And what will you find in these first five pages? Let's find out! Cheers!

Explicit: No

You've Got Five Pages, Horse by Geraldine Brooks, To Tell Me You're Good.

Release Date: 06/15/2022

Description: The first chapter can make or break a reader's engagement with a story. We as writers must craft brilliant opening pages in order to hook those picky readers, so let's study the stories of others to see how they do it! The first chapter of Horse by Geraldine Brooks leaves me with...mixed feelings. On a technical level--scene execution, prose, and such--Brooks is stellar. The very word choices the protagonist makes in those opening pages say a lot about the protagonist's nature; in fact, some of the word choices made me feel like I lack the intellect to fully appreciate the language utilized here. Still, the memories the protagonist recalls of family bereavement while interacting with a racist neighbor also experiencing grief speaks volumes as to the power of upbringing and culture in our lives. I just wish it was clearer as to where this story is intending to go. I don't want it broadcast and/or spoonfed to me, but I do need *something.* Brooks' last line of the chapter does promise there will be a *something* when Theo discovers "the horse" in the neighbor's discarded items on the street. But when I see Chapter 2 is not going to continue with this momentum but will instead change over to a new protagonist with a new point of view, I worry that we'll be stopping and starting several times before the plot can truly find its groove. I am likely assuming too much here, but as a picky reader, I am just not a fan of hopping among the characters, especially when we've barely gotten to know even one of them. And what will you, fellow creative, learn in the first five pages? Let's find out!

Explicit: No

You've Got Five Pages, Verity by Colleen Hoover, To Tell Me You're Good.

Release Date: 06/08/2022

Description: The first chapter can make or break a reader's engagement with a story. We as writers must craft brilliant opening pages in order to hook those picky readers, so let's study the stories of others to see how they do it! I have to be honest--the opening pages of Verity by Collleen Hoover did not move me to keep reading. Hoover's prose style cuts like a knife, and her word choices say a lot with a little. But there's something about the intense message about Manhattan's lack of humanity mixed with a protagonist who *desires* to lose her humanity and be "as hard as the concrete" beneath her feet that makes it very difficult for me to relate to this protagonist as a reader, especially when considering the bloody death the protagonist witnesses in the first five pages. The protagonist is determined to *not* connect and *not* empathize. This approach certainly gives the writer opportunity to build layers that can be peeled away as the story progresses, but a reader has to be invested to see that happen first. And what will you, fellow creative, learn in the first five pages? Let's find out!

Explicit: No

You've Got Five Pages, Wayward by Blake Crouch, To Tell Me You're Good.

Release Date: 05/18/2022

Description: The first chapter can make or break a reader's engagement with a story. We as writers must craft brilliant opening pages in order to hook those picky readers, so let's study the stories of others to see how they do it! Honestly, this was a curious find. It's plain to see we're not starting with the regular protagonist, but that outsider perspective does provide a unique look at the setting for this trilogy. For all the quaint beauty of this small town, there is a very real, very lethal menace in all the razor wire and posted snipers. To begin the story with one of those snipers immediately establishes the high stakes involved with surviving this mystery. We may be entering this story arc in the middle (it is Book 2, after all), but the first chapter does its job in establishing some major ground rules for a reader uncertain of the road ahead. We have action, we have monsters, and we have an unsuspecting populace. Sounds like a recipe for mischievous disaster to me!

Explicit: No

From The Other Side Of The Glass

Release Date: 09/14/2020

Authors: Audiobrien

Description: Got a story to tell? Audiobrien's "From The Other Side Of The Glass" is your chance to tell it, and share it. So if you've got a good one, get in touch, we want to record it.

Explicit: No

You've Got To

Release Date: 03/03/2022

Authors: Rosie & Zoe

Description: Welcome to You've Got To. This podcast is hosted by two best friends who throughout their friendship have many funny stories to tell, life scenarios to relate to, situations to laugh at and most of all - things to chat shit about! We are very honest and down to earth but very lighthearted and find it hard to not burst into laughter at any given moment. So sit down, grab a drink (alcohol if you wish) and listen to the weird and wonderful conversations we have to offer. New episodes every Friday!

Explicit: No

Sound In Five Podcast

Release Date: 08/12/2020

Authors: Far From Home Entertainment

Description: We challenged entertainers to tell us their top five most influential songs...and things got interesting

Explicit: No

The Solid Signal Podcast

Release Date: 03/16/2021

Authors: Stuart Sweet

Description: It's the Solid Signal Podcast! Everything you wanted to know about the stuff you've got to have!

Explicit: No

You've Got To Be Kidding Me

Release Date: 08/26/2020

Authors: Voices of Wrestling

Description: Garrett Kidney and Liam Jones are journeying through TNA history one month at a time talking about all the highs and lows of TNA history - covering the great matches, memorable stories and utterly ridiculous moments that have defined the 19 year history of TNA with new episodes every two week!

Explicit: No

You've Got To Be Kidney'ing Me !

Release Date: 06/06/2021

Authors: Maddie Davis

Description: Ever wonder about how our kidneys work? Or how we treat kidney diseases? This is the podcast for you! Enjoy this three episode podcast helping explain our renal system!

Explicit: No

TimewithPrissy's Channel

Release Date: 04/11/2021

Authors: TimewithPrissy

Description: This world is becoming too hard for good people to thrive but you can succeed, you've got Jesus!

Explicit: No

What’s your excuse?

Release Date: 09/11/2020

Authors: Matt Smith

Description: Giving you everything I’ve got to help, just tell me and I’ll give more! So, tell me, what’s your excuse?

Explicit: No

BuggedCast

Release Date: 04/30/2021

Authors: Bugged PlayerMC

Description: Welcome...my name is bugg.Relax it's just me and you now,tell us the secret the most sinister yet creepy story that you've save in your deepest mind.Welcome to "BuggedCast"Sincerely BuggedPlayers

Explicit: No

MrGossPodcast

Release Date: 04/29/2021

Authors: Mr. Goss

Description: Listen to me good, I got alot to say.

Explicit: No

COLLIE LEWINSON

Release Date: 09/05/2020

Authors: COLLIE LEWINSON

Description: Tell me what do you guys think about the Five Guys

Explicit: No