We always try to figure out how to start writing what we have to say. Writers want to come up with a catchy phrase or a line that will draw readers in and make them want to continue reading. Here is a blog meme, and its directions, that looks at what published authors have done with their introductory sentences. I love that stack of books!
Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you’re reading. If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.
I am still reading One Man’s Paradise, and I will note here that I refuse to stop reading. It’s getting good and I want to see what happens!
I am a terrible person for not getting through things faster! But, it gives me more time to run into fun memes like this one. Of course these darn full-time jobs and the resulting need for sleep are all such a nuisance!
Now, this one presents a small problem. It has a first sentence but it says, “I am trying not to yawn.” That’s it. But, it’s not really the first sentence because the book starts with a prologue.
“They pawed at each other against the black backdrop of night, the restless Pacific waters purring at their feet.”
Really? Now that’s more like it. Purr… I can relate. It does kind of feel like a purr against your feet. I never thought of it that way but, yeah, I’ll go with that. Between that and two people pawing each other, you’ve got my attention. But, does it work for the book? Now that I’m more than half way through the book I can say, “Yes, it does.” Trust me, it gets better too!
One Man’s Paradise, Douglas Corleone
If I were to be hoenst I think I would have to say that it’s not really my kind of epening sentence, but I’m glad that you like it. It sounds like the book could be really good
Hi Becky! Thank you for the comment. I didn’t start reading it because of the opening sentence and probably wouldn’t have either. It’s kind of like cheating I suppose. I now know where it’s going so I can say that it fits nicely. 🙂
I love those big, long lists that include a whole bunch of first sentences from dozens of novels. Naturally, the first sentence of your book is the most important one, and worth spending some time on!
Hi Melissa! Thank you for visiting and for leaving a comment! 🙂 Some people really are gifted with the ability to hit the ground running with great opening sentences. I hope we can all have a great moment like that someday!
I think my focus has been on a strong prologue rather than a strong beginning sentence; but with that said, I can appreciate a strong beginning sentence and thinking back has probably captured me more than I can remember. I probably won’t always use prologues and I will keep this discussion in mind as capturing the reader in the beginning is so important!
I can see your point, George. It’s always nice to get a strong sense of the story and the writer’s voice before you dive in. 🙂 My most recent curiosity is about the books that start the book with the ending. You know, the ones where part of the ending hooks the readers in and then starts from the beginning and shares the actual circumstances that lead to that ending. I’m just thinking. Thank you for your comment! 🙂