This is Snapper, presenting you with the latest hook challenge. If you are unfamiliar with this writing challenge allow me to explain.

The theory is most editors, due to the volume of submissions they receive, will reject the majority of the submissions based on the first page. With the title, information required, and guidelines (double spacing, size font) the first page is usually the first 13 lines of your story. This exercise is to see who can write the best opening with the same story synopsis.

Each challenge a new synopsis is presented. This weeks is written by LAJD. Other future synopsis writers are...

Crank
Shimiqua

If you like to provide a future synopsis copy the list above and add your name to it in your post in this thread.

If you are not sure what '13 lines' is, it is Courier 12 pnt in a 65 character line. (Kathy will probably provide a template). If your submission is longer than 13 lines it will get cut down to size (whining will do you no good).

Now here are the rules.

1) All submissions are based on the synopsis below. You can start anywhere you like in the synopsis as long it is how you would start your version

2) All submission are to be sent to me (my email address is up there) Send your email in the subject line
13 line hook challenge
and place your submission in the body of the text. Please write your submission as such

Your hatrack name

Entry # (I'll fill it in)

Title

Your wonderful 13 lines etc, etc, etc...

3) I will start posting submission when I get a sufficient number. The competition will last about a week after I post this message.

4) Voting will begin after I close the submissions. Please do not post anything in that thread until I close the submissions and open the voting. Everyone that submits an entry is encouraged to vote for your top three and favorite title (which can be part of the hook). All that did not submit an entry but would like to vote are encouraged to do so. And no voting for your own (that's lame)

5) At the close of the voting I shall tabulate the votes. First gets 5, second 4, and third 3. Winner is declared and you get to wear a pirate hat and say ARRGGH all week.

Now for this weeks synopsis, written by Skadder

quote:

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Synopsis: Jerval, Last of the Zombies.

Jerval is the last zombie.

He used to be an accountant but then fate stepped in (together with a zombie) and his life/death changed. His skin became pale and he got the urge, on occasions, to tear, apart the nearest living creature and gorge on them--still, everyone has their faults.

There were the good old days (the good old post-apocalyptic days), when he would rampage with fellow zombies through the cities, hunting down remaining humans, but then it all went wrong. Humans became immune to the zombie infection. A small scratch or bite no longer lead to them turning into zombies and slaying their comrades (or opening the door and letting Jerval and his pals in). They started to fight back--and they started to win.

Now there is just Jerval--no other zombies to rampage with--he is all alone. And the humans have found him...he can hear them outside the old tower that has become his home. They are baying for his (stagnant) blood...damn them.

Jerval has been expecting them and has a plan. A bit of make-up, a fake medical certificate about a rare skin condition and a lot of self control (in the face of so much living meat) may allow him to bluff his way past his would-be un-un-deaders...

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