This is chapter 1 of the novel I’m writing. I’d love feedback. Chapter 1 – The Hollow Mark Callahan pulled into his driveway at exactly 5:32 p.m. Not around 5:32. Not close to it. Exactly 5:32. Every Monday through Friday, depending on the lights three blocks back, he pulled in somewhere between 5:30 and 5:32. Today, it was 5:32. Perfect. The house sat quiet in the hills of the San Fernando Valley, a picture of everything he had ever imagined for himself. Three bedrooms. Three baths. Clean lines. Soft lighting. The kind of place that looked like it had never known chaos. Vision to reality. There was a time that phrase meant something else. Back when he was twenty-two. Back when The Hollow still existed. They’d caught their break at the Whisky a Go Go, filling in for a band that fell apart hours before showtime. One night. One chance. A room filled with just enough of the right people. Mark had stepped onto that stage with a guitar slung low and a voice that sounded like it had been dragged across gravel and set on fire. By the end of the set, they weren’t unknown anymore. By the end of the week, Sony Music had them under contract. Four albums. Seven years. Hit after hit. Until the night everything stopped. Shaggy died in a car wreck that should have killed all of them. Teddy never touched a guitar again. Ryan disappeared into silence. And Mark? He survived. He always did. He stepped out of the car, grabbed his bag, and walked to the front door. Right on cue, like every day before it. 5:33 p.m. “Hi, honey,” he called as he stepped inside. “What’s for dinner? I’m starving.” Sarah met him at the door, wrapping her arms around him like she had a thousand times before. She breathed him in. Cigarettes, worn leather, and the metallic scent of guitar strings still clung to him like a memory that refused to go away. “Surprise,” she said, smiling up at him. “Salmon. Your favorite.” He kissed her, easy and automatic. Perfect. Upstairs, a voice broke the moment. “Hi, Daddy! I can’t wait to hear your song!”

Hi Everyone, I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share a quick update with you. I’ve recently seen many children's book illustration projects, even great ones, not getting the attention they deserve because the illustrations, storybook visuals, or overall presentation weren’t professionally tailored for young readers. Making a children's book illustration that kids will love takes creativity and care, and I’m passionate about helping authors like you create stories that leap off the page with color and charm. I’d love to help you bring it to life beautifully. I specialize in creating 3D children's book illustrations, book covers, kids' story scenes, and character design that truly connect with young readers and parents alike. Would you like to set up a quick chat to discuss the next steps or ideas you have in mind? Just reply “YES” and I’ll take it from there. Best regards, Smith Sandra Children’s Book Illustrator | 3D Story Visuals

Hello great people I'm frank by name Am new here on this community hope I am welcome??

How is everyone`s writing going today?

Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your authenticity and empowering approach have truly made a difference in me starting and completing my book. Having accountability, clear goals, and a step-by-step process tailored specifically to me especially help finding someone to do my artwork took a huge mental load off so now I’ve completed my first children’s book which I’ve wanted to do for 3 years now! Your energy and dedication to everyone in class are inspiring, and I’m grateful to be part of this experience. Thank you for creating a space where we can all grow, push forward, and bring our visions to life! Looking forward to seeing all the authors that come from this course.