I am about five chapters deep in my debut novel, and am hoping for some feedback, both positive and negative (but if it's the latter, please be kind).

I have posted the first chapter with full understanding that there may require some slimming, fattening, and fine-tuning in certain parts.

I thought about entering the Nerdist contest, but I know the odds are firmly stacked against me with a late start and low readership.

Thanks to everyone who finds this page and follows it with genuine enthusiasm. A few minutes of your time to read my draft and leave a comment would be much appreciated.

So it begins.