The Great American Novel beckons! (Or any other country for that matter!) You accept the challenge. But first things first, you must write the opening chapter. Your objective: to write the best attention-grabbing, heart-stopping, thought-provoking chapter imaginable. So get started, your adoring public awaits!

Free critique available upon request! To request your free critique, write the words "free critique" on your title page. (Optional: To receive a thorough line edit, enclose an additional $1 per page, (250 words equal a page) plus 9 x 12 SASE with enough postage for returning your chapter.)

DEADLINE: Postmarked by April 30, 2010.Entry Fee: $10 per entry, maximum of three entries. Checks payable to: The Write Helper. Prizes: $100, $50, $25