Great opening paragraphs. A limbering up exercise prior to National Novel Writing Month in November.

There used to be a writer by the name of Merle Miller, who wrote that people in Hollywood are always touching you – not because they like you, but because they want to see how soft you are before they eat you alive. He was right. It’s a tough town and a tough business, and if you don’t watch your step, either one’ll kill you, which I guess is what this story is actually about.

- Death by Hollywood, by Steven Bochco. My review here.

Bochco brings his television writing chops to this Hollywood noir novel and it sizzles. The first paragraph perfectly sets the scene and tone. The ending of the first chapter is also brilliant.

Would I lie to you?