Thanks for that Luke. I always worry about those Facebook writing groups where they do a 'first line Monday' and you get so many over crafted pleased with themselves openings. Love the handshake analogy.
One which made me sit up and pay attention on first reading was...
"Where's Papa going with that axe?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.
In a murder story, Stephen King or something similar, it would be pretty much expected. However, it's the opening of 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B White. A children’s book about Wilbur the pig. It subverts expectations right from the start.
Or on a lighter note:
“This is my favorite book in all the world, though I have never read it.”
'The Princess Bride' William Goldman. The narrative shifts play with your head right from the start. Read it and you are moved from Hollywood to fantasy (is there much difference there!) to the child reader whose reception of the book is a little more muted... Then finally to the 'favourite book' in a form the world has never known.
Finally Toni Morrison 'Paradise'
"They shoot the white girl first. With the rest they can take their time.”
Merci Luke pour ces précieux conseils même si je n'ai pas du tout la fibre de l'écriture. Je ne me suis jamais essayée à cet art, je préfère la lecture. Mais sait-on jamais!!!
That handshake analogy was gold. All great points - Definitely considering writing a line that's bold when I start a new novel, whenever that may be. ♡
Really brilliant! I love looking and understanding openings, and so particularly pay attention to your note that great ones can often go unnoticed. Totally can agree and see this, how the stripping down gets you right into the story and you’re gripped before you realise. Recently loved this from The Wall by John Lanchester:
“It’s cold on the Wall. That’s the first thing everybody tells you, and the first thing you notice when you’re sent there, and it’s the thing you think about all the time you’re on it, and it’s the thing you remember when you’re not there any more. It’s cold on the Wall.”
Your article offers valuable insights into crafting compelling beginnings for stories. Your emphasis on trusting one's instincts and avoiding over-planning resonates with me. The example openings provided, especially Sylvia Plath's, vividly demonstrate the power of concise yet evocative prose to set the tone and hint at deeper themes. I appreciate the encouragement to be bold and economical with words, allowing readers to engage their imagination. Looking forward to more tips from you!
Explore captivating Contemporary, Romance, Thriller & Suspense, Science Fiction, Horror, and more stories on my Substack for FREE at https://jonahtown.substack.com
This is brilliant advice, Luke. I used to love writing years ago and had many thoughts of what I'd like to write (brainstorming). I stopped. I'm not sure why. This makes me feel like I should reexamine my inner thoughts again. 🩷
Thanks for that Luke. I always worry about those Facebook writing groups where they do a 'first line Monday' and you get so many over crafted pleased with themselves openings. Love the handshake analogy.
One which made me sit up and pay attention on first reading was...
"Where's Papa going with that axe?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.
In a murder story, Stephen King or something similar, it would be pretty much expected. However, it's the opening of 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B White. A children’s book about Wilbur the pig. It subverts expectations right from the start.
Or on a lighter note:
“This is my favorite book in all the world, though I have never read it.”
'The Princess Bride' William Goldman. The narrative shifts play with your head right from the start. Read it and you are moved from Hollywood to fantasy (is there much difference there!) to the child reader whose reception of the book is a little more muted... Then finally to the 'favourite book' in a form the world has never known.
Finally Toni Morrison 'Paradise'
"They shoot the white girl first. With the rest they can take their time.”
I leave it with you.
The Toni Morrison opening is my all time favourite. I'm as moved by it now as I was the first time I read it many, many years ago.
"The first impression is atmospheric." Etching this into my brain.
Merci Luke pour ces précieux conseils même si je n'ai pas du tout la fibre de l'écriture. Je ne me suis jamais essayée à cet art, je préfère la lecture. Mais sait-on jamais!!!
Vouloir c'est pouvoir!
Brilliant advice. Worth revisiting over and over again as the writing process unfolds.
That handshake analogy was gold. All great points - Definitely considering writing a line that's bold when I start a new novel, whenever that may be. ♡
The late great Les Edgerton's Hooked is also a good read about openings.
Really brilliant! I love looking and understanding openings, and so particularly pay attention to your note that great ones can often go unnoticed. Totally can agree and see this, how the stripping down gets you right into the story and you’re gripped before you realise. Recently loved this from The Wall by John Lanchester:
“It’s cold on the Wall. That’s the first thing everybody tells you, and the first thing you notice when you’re sent there, and it’s the thing you think about all the time you’re on it, and it’s the thing you remember when you’re not there any more. It’s cold on the Wall.”
Your article offers valuable insights into crafting compelling beginnings for stories. Your emphasis on trusting one's instincts and avoiding over-planning resonates with me. The example openings provided, especially Sylvia Plath's, vividly demonstrate the power of concise yet evocative prose to set the tone and hint at deeper themes. I appreciate the encouragement to be bold and economical with words, allowing readers to engage their imagination. Looking forward to more tips from you!
Explore captivating Contemporary, Romance, Thriller & Suspense, Science Fiction, Horror, and more stories on my Substack for FREE at https://jonahtown.substack.com
I also like the Sylvia Plath intro. The reader is immediately transported into the mind of the character. It's almost impossible to not read on.
This is brilliant advice, Luke. I used to love writing years ago and had many thoughts of what I'd like to write (brainstorming). I stopped. I'm not sure why. This makes me feel like I should reexamine my inner thoughts again. 🩷