Read and a Writing tip

by Nikki Leigh

     Lizbeth is a woman of uncommon strength and determination and that's one of the things that her husband William, loves about her. When an unexpected turn of events cuts Lizbeth's happiness short, that strength is tested in ways she never imagined. Her children are growing up in a time and place where death and loss are a common part of life. While she struggles with her own fears, she must help her children find their way through an uncertain future. Lizbeth keeps an almost obsessive vigil from the lighthouse catwalk. This makes her the ideal choice for the new lightkeeper for the Stormy View lighthouse. She must decide if she's ready to move forward. Misty Cove residents are concerned about whether Duncan, the assistant lightkeeper, is hiding a dark secret? What long-buried secrets will challenge Lizbeth as she makes the journey through the pages of Lady Lightkeeper?

First Hook 'em -- Writing tip

The first line in any story or article is your hook. Raise a question right away. Once a question is raised in the mind of the reader, he or she will want to keep reading to find the answer--and you have them "hooked."

The first "hook" in a short story usually foreshadows the central problem that will challenge the protagonist. In an article it asks a question on what the article is about. A hook should raise a question in the mind of the reader that will be answered before the story is over. Hooks heighten reader interest, pure and simple.

The good news is, you can write that line last, so don't waste time starting your story -- get the work done and then figure out the first line.