Chapter One

The first chapter of a novel is always pivotal, because without an enticing first chapter it’s difficult to engage the reader. In your first chapter it’s important to have a good ‘hook’, something that grabs the reader’s attention, resonates with them and doesn’t let go. The key is to get the reader involved in the story from the start so they don’t want to stop reading, so they need to know what happens next.

I’ve attached an extract from my debut novel The Diamond City below. Happy reading.

Baltimore, West Cork, Ireland, June 1631

‘Have you heard? There are rumours that pirates plan to attack the coast. I want to move my family away from here. I don’t think it’s safe anymore.’

John's clear, blue eyes were focused on his childhood friend and distant cousin, Thomas. ‘Where did you hear this?’ John asked, brow etched with concern.

‘In town, from a traveller from Cork. I’m leaving tomorrow to inspect some acreage that’s come up for sale in Thurles. It will take around six days to travel there by coach from Baltimore,’ Thomas said.

John glanced over to his sister-in-law, who stood to remove soiled knives and plates from the table. ‘Ellyn, you never told me.' John's strong jawline tensed while his eyes followed Ellyn as she padded across the room.

Ellyn's thick unruly waves lay restrained within a plait that flowed long and dark down her back, bobbing ever so slightly in tune with her steady gait. She trod over the earthen floor towards a copper tub and a metallic clatter broke an awkward silence as she placed the plates and knives to soak. ‘I was going to, John. Nothing’s decided yet. It’s just an idea.' There was a distant quality to Ellyn's voice as she spoke, her face still hidden from the men. When Ellyn turned and walked back several paces towards the wooden table she glanced over briefly towards where John sat opposite her husband, her face colouring. As she sat back beside Thomas, Ellyn lowered her eyes and reached a hand to her throat, where a locket hung on a fine chain and fiddled with it. The golden locket and chain glowed as the metal captured the reflection from a nearby burning fire.

Peat bricks crackled and spat. The only warmth and light in the small, windowless cottage came from the hearth and a single lighted candle in a brass holder placed upon the table. Eerie shadows danced against the walls.

Another uncomfortable period of silence followed as John contemplated what it would mean if Thomas and his family left Baltimore. Apart from his daughter they were the only family he had, and the thought of losing Thomas, Ellyn and his nephew saddened him.

‘I thought you were going to the wedding,’ John said, directing his gaze towards Thomas.

‘I was. Ellyn tried to talk me out of going too, but this parcel of land has just come up and it’s too great an opportunity to pass on. Would you consider moving with us? I’ve been told the land is good, very fertile. My son loves his animals and I think he would enjoy farm life. I think Nadine would too.’

‘I prefer to live by the sea. It’s in my blood, I guess. And these tales of pirates are just hearsay, rumours, like you said. Why would they attack Baltimore? It’s just a small fishing village.’

‘They raided Mount’s Bay, near Cornwall, six years ago and took away sixty men, women and children, don’t forget, and a year later they attacked other parts of the Cornish coast.’

‘I don’t know.' John lowered his head.

‘At least think about it. The pilchards aren’t bringing in as much money as they used to. Farming could be much more profitable, and you never know, you may enjoy it.’

‘I’m not sure. I’d have to give it some thought,' John said, his gaze once again focused on Thomas. 'All I know is that we can’t live in fear.'

John stood and walked into the adjoining room, where his four-year-old nephew was showing off a toy soldier to his daughter. The light from the hearth and burning candle was enough to gently illuminate the bedroom, the only other room in the house.

‘Nadine, we’re leaving now. Say goodbye to David. You’ll see him again tomorrow.’

‘Daddy, I don’t want to go,’ Nadine said, glancing up at her father, the child's pained expression reflecting her disappointment.

‘Come, child, it’s past your bedtime. Say goodbye to David. You can play with him tomorrow.'

As John watched his daughter hug her cousin his heart stung. How could he possibly break the news to Nadine that her uncle, aunt and cousin were moving away? John knew how important this family was to his daughter as they were to him, and how the bond Nadine had formed with them had helped heal some of the pain caused by the loss of her mother.

Nadine stood and dragged her feet.

‘Come,’ John said, as he took his daughter’s small hand in his own.

David toddled after his cousin into the living area, still clutching his wooden toy soldier.

John kissed Ellyn on a cheek. ‘Thanks again for another delicious meal. I think that’s what I’d miss most – your cooking.’ Ellyn and John exchanged a smile, then John placed a gentle hand on Nadine's right shoulder. ‘Say thank you to your Aunty Ellyn.’

‘Thanks Aunty,’ Nadine said.

Ellyn crouched and hugged her niece while John reached down to embrace his nephew.

John then turned towards Thomas, who waited by the door.

‘I expect to return in a little over two weeks' time. Look after Ellyn and my son for me,' Thomas said.

‘Of course, you have my word,’ John said before he embraced his friend. ‘Take care, Thomas.’

‘I will, my friend. I will.’