Go to any writing class, and they tell you have one page to grab your reader. Some will even advise that it is the first line that tells whether or not your reader will continue reading. That's a little intimidating....or challenging, depending on how you look at it.
Fiction writing books will tell you that the first line must introduce the character, and action, and emotion. One of my favorite first lines comes from a novel by Julie Lessman entitled A Passion Most Pure. It begins, 'Sisters are overrated.' That's a fantastic first line, and the rest of the book didn't disappoint.
Feel free to leave the first line from your current work in progress, or a favorite first line from a novel you are reading in the comments section.
Happy Writing!
The first sentence from my WIP is:
ReplyDelete"A curious package sat on her desk."
WOW, Colleen, I am SO honored that you used my first line as an example of one of your favorites -- THANK YOU! And fun blog, by the way. :)
ReplyDeleteIronically, I happen to be a first-line freak, and I wrote a fun Seeker blog about this just a few weeks ago, which lists some really great first lines from classics to modern fiction, so if you have time, check it out. Here's the link:
The Perfect Pickup Line ... Or How to Hook a Reader!
And, Rachel, that's a very intriguing first line, if I must say so myself -- good job!
Hugs
Julie
Thanks for stopping by our blog, Julie. Love all of your work : ) Colleen
ReplyDelete