Brian Clopper's Blog

November will see the release of Eric Can't Spell. This little book started as a first chapter in my 20 First Chapters series and grew into a full novel.





Here's the summary:

Classes at Evoke Academy are days away from starting, and Eric Chambers has already made a major mess of things with his reckless magic -- by accidentally killing his roommate.

Now he and best friend Charlotte must find a way to bring Dillon back from the dead before they’re expelled for using magic in the dorms.

Aided by a colorful cast of the living and the not-so-living, Eric delves into his faulty spellcasting and buried memories to unearth a horrible evil.

In order to save the school and the people he cares about, the guarded young mage must learn to trust himself and others . . . or risk losing everything!

And here's an advance review from a fan:

"Brian Clopper’s latest release expands one of his 20 First Chapters entries into a full-length novel -- and it’s a transformation worth celebrating, especially for fans of the series.

The residents of Evoke Academy crackle with imaginative flair, forming a cast as unpredictable as Eric’s spellwork. His magic is messy, his confidence shaky, and his guilt palpable. But it’s precisely this vulnerability that makes him so compelling. As he struggles to fix his broken magic and make sense of his past, the story becomes a powerful journey of trust, healing, and change. It’s about learning to forgive yourself, lean on others, and face the darkness within. Eric’s path from guarded guilt to hard-won growth is both fantastical and deeply human.

Eric Can’t Spell is perfect for readers who love magical school settings and flawed heroes. It’s not just about spells gone wrong -- it’s about friendship, redemption, and finding the courage to believe in yourself when everything’s falling apart. Clopper’s writing is imaginative and full of heart, making this a standout entry in the genre -- and hopefully the first of many more complete stories from the 20 First Chapters series!”

This weekend sees the debut of 20 First Chapters Volume Eight. This series will run for ten volumes. I am having the most fun ever writing these opening scenes.

Grab any volume and feast on brainstorming beyond compare!

Volume Eight will be published in November. Nine and Ten will see print in early 2026! So excited!

I'm excited to announce the publication of my 50th book. Twenty First Chapters Volume Seven debuts tomorrow in both print and e-book versions! Snatch it up at Amazon!

The fine folks at the great indy bookstore in Wake Forest called Page 158 are hosting a visit with me. It should be a real fun time. I'm going to talk about how to craft first chapters and share insights about my new novel on grim reapers.

Page 158 Author Event



Save the date and come spend time with me on August 12th at 5:30.

I just released these two books in April.

20 First Chapters Volume Six is a delightful read. Fans will get to sample twenty new worlds and be dazzled by the sweet worldbuilding.

When Death Came For Ernst Wilco is my fourth novel dealing with the afterlife. It's sly, endearing, and a cozy mystery.









Here's what reviewers are saying about the projects:

"If variety is the spice of life, then this collection is a full-course meal of inventive storytelling. 20 First Chapters: Volume 6 delivers a whirlwind of opening acts, each setting up intriguing worlds, compelling characters, and conflicts that leave you wanting more.

Among the many captivating entries, ‘Bread Man Walking’, ‘Beneath Phantom Hill’, ‘Tyro’s Charm Offensive’, and ‘Charlotte Maxwell’s Shadow Knows Too Much’ stood out for me, each offering a unique experience. Some chapters surprise with their offbeat concepts, blending humour with genuine heart, while others pull the reader into supernatural battles crackling with tension and rich world-building. Certain entries deliver charismatic protagonists whose unpredictable journeys keep the pages turning, and some seamlessly entwine mystery and magic in urban fantasy settings that feel both fresh and immersive.

With its range of genres and styles, this collection offers something for every reader drawn to imaginative tales. Whether you enjoy clever humour, intense showdowns, or enchanting mysteries, Volume 6 is a vibrant sampler of fresh voices and compelling narratives that linger long after the last page. Happy to recommend it!"

20 First Chapters is so creatively fulfilling. Here's a peek at the volumes coming in 2025. Volume Six is nearly three-fourths of the way done.

I published two books this past week: 20 First Chapters Volume Five and 101 First Chapters Omnibus. I love this series and hope readers will jump on board. Here are two reviews from a very wise Amazon UK reader:

Book Review: 20 First Chapters, Volume 5
"The latest addition to the 20 First Chapters series is a fascinating collection that perfectly caters to fantasy fans. The book offers an assorted mix of tales, covering multiversal multiples, superheroes, talking animals, and meta-fiction amongst others.

Like in previous volumes, each chapter proposes a unique and captivating entry into different worlds and narratives, leaving the reader with the chance to imagine the rest of the story. The author's ability to compile so many elements, characters, and genres into a single volume is nothing short of remarkable. Each story is crafted with engaging details that paint a vivid picture of the different situations, with dialogues that add depth to the characters.

Standout chapters for me include This Is Where I Destroy You, I'm Not Switching Back, Divining Intervention, Rock of Mages, Glow With The Flow, and Not So Fast With The Wishes���a clever urban fantasy twist on classic wish-granting tales.

Overall, 20 First Chapters, Volume 5 is a highly recommended read for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a collection of richly diverse and thoughtfully crafted tales. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or looking for something new to explore, this book promises a delightful journey through the realms of imagination."




Book Review: 101 First Chapters
"An extraordinary compendium that combines the first five volumes of this unique series, plus an exclusive extra chapter, for a grand total of 101 captivating tales. This collection is a treasure trove for anyone who enjoys a diverse array of genres and storytelling styles.

One of the best features of this book is that each chapter introduces a different tale; you don’t have to follow complicated plots or remember intricate details to enjoy the whole book, making it ideal for short-term memory readers.

Each chapter in this omnibus is a doorway to a new world, encompassing imaginative tales about general fantasy, time travel, multiversal adventures, superheroes, teens discovering their magical powers, talking animals, and meta-fiction. The beauty of this collection lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that there's something for every reader.

The extra chapter adds a delightful surprise to the already rich anthology, making the Omnibus Edition a must-have for both long-time fans and new readers. The depth and variety of the stories are truly impressive, showcasing the author's remarkable talent for weaving complex world building and engaging narratives.

Overall, the 20 First Chapters Omnibus Edition is a remarkable collection that offers a rich tapestry of imaginative tales for all ages. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and a celebration of the author’s boundless creative journey."






I'm hard at work on Volume Six. Five entries are already in the can with one about a gingerbread man wrongly accused of murder called Bread Man Walking.

To promote the release of the fifth volume in the 20 First Chapters series along with the collected edition called 101 First Chapters, Brian sat down for an interview.

1. Where did you come up with the idea of writing only first chapters?

I generate a lot of story ideas, far more than I can put to paper in a lifetime. I liked the challenge of writing a chapter that lays the groundwork and builds characters. I also wanted to see if penning twenty would make writing future first chapters easier. I think it has. It’s made me rather fearless. No blank page is going to paralyze me.

2. Were there any categories or genres you naturally gravitated toward?

Metafiction and Superheroes show up the most, with Dragons and Urban Fantasy taking third and fourth. I loved doing any stories with deities, magic schools, and familiars as well.

3. How long did each volume take to create?

It took fourteen months to write all five volumes. Each volume averaged about two and half months. Volume Five was written in twenty straight days, though. Most volumes were worked on while I was in school. I teach at a year-round elementary school, and we’re in session for nine to ten weeks then get about three weeks off. I write my novels during the four breaks from school each year. I wrote these first chapters mostly during the weeks I was in school and averaged about two to three a week.

4. Can you divulge some of the pop culture influences in your work?

The Rook Fletcher chapter is a metafiction take on Encyclopedia Brown. This Island Adrift combines Survivor with Land of the Lost. Rex Arcana is my salute to Hellboy. Eric Can’t Spell melds Harry Potter with Weekend At Bernie’s. Into the Woodworks channels the Micronauts. Mystic Lake Summer Camp is a fusion of X-men with Percy Jackson. The YA, Things-That-Go-Bump-In-The-Night Book Club is my homage to Buffy and Scooby Doo. Fans of Gremlins will love Lurks. Major Carson and the Gate of Halizar is my spin on Edgar Rice Burroughs. XTC’s Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead inspired The Problem With Peter Pronto. That’s just to name a few.

5. What sort of frameworks do you use in your first chapters?

I tried to deliver info and background details in description, dialogue, and through character’s thoughts. Some first chapters start off in the middle of action. Quite a few use an interview approach. I think doing this project freed me up to see that there are so many ways to start a story.

6. Are there any topics or genres you are itching to try in future volumes?

I’d love to do one about a Kaiju and possibly a body horror tale. Volume Six has giant tentacles on the cover, so I anticipate getting one or both of the topics knocked out in that volume.



7. What drove you to change from first to third person and also switch between present and past tenses?

Because I do that with my fifth graders. In class, we write stories using first and third person, even second person. I think it keeps the reader on their toes and serves as another teaching tool. The Author’s Commentaries have been cited by readers as a wonderful addition to the project. It gives me a forum to talk inspiration, structure, and craft.

8. Have you thought of branching out with the brand?

I think it would be fun to do a collection of 20 Meet Cutes. I’d also love to do twenty first chapters with nineteen other authors. I also like the idea of teaming up with another author and we each write ten first chapters to put together a special volume.

9. Will any of the first chapters get their own complete books?

Yes, in fact my next project will be taking the first chapter of Eric Can’t Spell and telling a complete story. I’ll likely tackle others, too. Lurks is another one I’ve been eyeing. A Rise In Evil would seem like a good choice. I’ve yet to do a full-length superhero novel and I think that one or Hero Near You App have a lot of potential.



10. How long do you think you can do this?

Well, I’ve already started on the sixth volume. I figure that means I should commit to getting to Volume Ten so I can have 202 First Chapters.

11. Did you find the ideal word count for a first chapter?

The average was about 1500 words. A couple went past 2000 words, and maybe one clocked in under a thousand. I think their short length makes the volumes so easily digestible and a little addicting. It’s like the equivalent of literary fast food. The total word count for each volume was very consistent. All were over 30,000 words with most being about 31,000 words.

12. Can you list your twenty favorites so far?

Cutlass Jones and the Fire Pirates

With Antlered Brow

Cecil Finds His Station

Suffer Not a Mitch to Live

So You Think You Can Time Travel

Murdering Me, Myself, and I

Den of Steves

Infernal Wind

Being Hector Specter

Hero Near You App

Evil On the Rise

Lurks

Into the Woodworks

Beach Blanket Bloodsuckers

A Bullet For Craig Mellon

Seth In Stone

By a Ghost Inhabited

Takeout Dragon

Eric Can’t Spell

Rook Fletcher and the Case of the Ancient Newcomer

Here's the cover to the omnibus. I also turned the back cover into a poster!