You've Got Five Pages, Riley's Ghost by John David Anderson, To Tell Me You're Good.

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! Yes, this is an MG novel, but a paranormal mystery for a kid can be a fun read for an adult, too! My daughter Blondie has been on my case to share this book on the podcast, so this week I'm buckling and here we are. :) Honestly, though, I'm glad I did. The book Riley's Ghost by John David Anderson begins with a graphic description of a dead body...a dead frog body. It's a wonderful way to set the tone for this school setting: the "barbarian" seventh grades, the disconnected teachers, and Riley, who just doesn't feel like she belongs and would rather forge an adult's signature to escape accountability rather than get help. Blondie promises very creepy moments are in store for anyone who loves a ghostly read, and if you've listened to my December 2021 collabs with Blondie, you know she wouldn't gush about a story if it wasn't worth reading!  And what will you, fellow creatives, make of these first five pages? Let's find out!