(Peter Matthiessen, The Snow Leopard)

 

CHAPTER ONE

 This is a novel.

 No surprise there - this is no doubt why you bought the book and are reading this very page. It will have been made clear on the cover, or in the ‘blurb’ on the back. Let me also clarify, however, that when I say ‘novel’ I mean exactly that-it is a purely fictional prose narrative. Please do not read into it what is not there. There are no autobiographical elements, no ‘scenes’ from my life. It is fiction in the truest sense of the word. My friends-a bit presumptuous maybe at this early stage but I always was optimistic-do not spend valuable time searching for clues or hidden meanings; there are none.

 This is my first novel.

 So please do make allowances. If my use of compound and complex sentences leave a lot to be desired, or if my grammatical structure is imperfect, try and turn a blind eye. Whatever you do, don’t blame the editor or publisher-the fault is mine.

 I have been told that the reader has to know the narrative question, the crux of the novel, from the outset for it to be successful; if that is true then I have already failed - all I know at this point is my main character is called Jamie. I don’t know what is going to happen to him, I am not even sure of his exact age as I write. You, as the reader and my friend, can play an important part from now on-it is only with your help that I can tell Jamie’s story. You will have to guide me along from scene to scene; I am relying on you to shout out if I put a foot wrong, to call me a ‘cretin’, or ask ‘why’? If a scene or character is superfluous, tell me. If the voice or tone is unconvincing let me know and I will alter it. And please be patient.

 By now you are probably thinking of not continuing-and who could blame you? 300 odd words of a first time author whingeing and no semblance of a plot! I can’t stop you throwing the book away and watching Eastenders or Emmerdale or some such soap on TV; in fact I think I may stop writing and join you.

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