Posted on 04/05/2023 8:34:50 PM PDT by Saije
A good first line is not always necessary because who stops reading after one sentence? But it can be extremely useful in building expectations for the style and characterisation that will follow. While book jackets can indicate a broad genre, that line can define the subgenre.
The opening may establish the tone, character, location, era or season but it can also pull a reader into the realm of the story that follows, and often into the head of the protagonist or into an alternate reality. When we open a book, we are ready to embark on a journey. The starter pistol should propel us forward. In my experience, a great opening will also raise questions that needs to be answered. Who or why or how or indeed, wtf?
In my own work, I like to set the opening line in the aftermath of a major event. I write first-person narratives and the reaction of the protagonist to this event should give the reader a good indication of the type of character... To demonstrate, here are some of my favourite openings by other writers.
1. Breakfast Wine from There Are Little Kingdoms by Kevin Barry
"They say it takes just three alcoholics to keep a small bar running in a country town and while myself and the cousin, Thomas, were doing what we could, we were a man shy, and these were difficult days for Mr Kelliher, licensee of the North Star, Pearse Street."
A whole world and three distinct characters have been created in this one sentence. Our narrator is aware of the fact that he is an alcoholic, but does Thomas know that the narrator is? Does he know that he is? Where is poor Mr Kelliher going to find a third alcoholic to keep his doors open?
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
I didn’t see where you posted that but when I wrote that I was reading the last 25 percent of the book and didn’t know about him traveling back in time. I’m done and I don’t fully grok what I just read and it has left me feeling worse off for reading it.
I see what I did, I responded to your post 66 without reading the rest of your posts on the next 100 responses to the thread. But I do read.
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