Jealousy (short story) by Leanne Dyck

Who is man's best friend? And what happens when this friendship is threatened?

photo by ldyck

Jealousy

He had the audacity to bring her here, to our home.

And she... And she called me "cute" and gave me a few pats. Her bony hand on the top of my head. She thought she could win me over with a few nice words and a show of affection.

Well, I would have none of it.

I tolerated her in front of him. But when I was alone with her, I growled and snapped. I drove her away, and I'll do the same to you. This is our home. We're happy here. He doesn't need you. So leave us alone. You're not wanted here! Leave! Now!

written on June 9, 2026

"A Rabbit in a Hat" was written in appreciation for the readers of my short stories.

A Rabbit in a Hat

The magic occurs

when you believe

the rabbit disappeared.

Your belief

creates the magic.

photo by ldyck

On this blog in September

Sunday, September 6

to

Sunday, September 27

Being Heard

a four-part article about the history of women voting Canada 

(other wise known as the Canadian women's suffrage movement) 

The author-reader contract by Leanne Dyck

The author of the novel promises to entertain. If the author upholds this side of the contract the reader promises to keep reading.

"on a clear day" ldyck

You, as the author, stated your intention on the back of the book. In short, you promised to entertain me. Bookstores and libraries are full of books. Congratulations on getting your book into my hands. I flipped open the book and I read... 

I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice--not because of his voice, or because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany. John Irving, A Prayer for Owen Meany

This opening sentence not only introduces me to the topic of the book--Owen Meany--but also briefly underlines why he is so special--he caused a mother's death and lead the narrator to God. After reading that sentence, I have to read on. 

'A good hook will not only create interest, but also set the mood, tone, atmosphere, and create expectations for the reader.' Read the entire article

'Strong characters draw readers into your plot. This dynamic is called the bond.' James Scott Bell, Plot & Structure

'[M]ake the hook and text integral to each other...I'm not advocating bland hooks; the challenge is to have the provocative hook but at the same time not have the discrepancy.' Noah Lukeman, The First Five Pages:  A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile

More examples of good first lines and why they work.

And wow. After writing and re-reading this article, I, as a writer, feel the pressure to carefully craft my opening sentence, paragraph, chapter, book. Of course, we can't all write like John Irving--but we must be entertaining, we owe it to our readers.

Reading this article will help you write your hook 
Writing a Hook First Line 

My dad and me visiting BC

Next post:  Sunday, March 11 (at approximately 5:00 PM PST)
27 years I was considering a career change; 27 years ago my dad (AJ Willetts) sent me the letter I'm going to share with you. 

"Abby inspiring story" ldyck

Sharing my author journey...