On a whim, and while waiting for more rejects, I decided to play out some ideas about the first chapter that I had.

It seemed an even better idea when I was reading the first few pages sent off with queries and realized even I didn't want to request to see more.

So with that...I redid Chapter one. Not to worry. The original is still whole and safe in another file. But I did want to see if I could carry the few thoughts through more than just a line or two.

And I could. Without screwing up my word count. That is to say without losing word count. It looks like I could continue and increase my much agonized about might-be-word-shortage.

If I get decent feedback on this end, I'll send it to you for commentary.