The First Line by Wendy H Jones
‘In today's competitive market a writer needs to capture their reader in the first paragraph if not the first line.
Susan May Warren
In today's climate of instant media and gratification, the author has only a few seconds to grab a reader's attention before they move on. Modern consumers are used to making an assessment and scrolling on if what they see or read does not interest them. Therefore, the opening to a book must hook the reader and pull them in, tantalise them and invite them to keep reading. It should set the tone and voice of the whole novel.
Sara Ridley suggests six components of what a first line can do to make your reader move on.
- Conflict
- Question
- Emotional Connection
- Humour
- Shock
- Twist
The types of opening lines are outlined as
- Action
- Character
- Setting
- Thought
- Statement
- World building
Of course, your first line can be a mixture of all of the above, although I would suggest you try not to pack too much into it or the opening may just become confusing.
Another way to use your first line is to lull the reader into a false sense of security and then whack them with something unexpected in the second line. A good example of this can be read in Ian Rankin's book, Rather be the Devil.
'Rebus placed his knife and fork on the empty plate, then leaned back in his chair, studying the other diners in the restaurant. "Someone was murdered here you know," he announced.'
If the first line puts you right at the heart of the action, then it is likely to grip the reader from the get go. As writers we often have a tendency to build up a picture before reaching the action. Take a look at your opening and analyse it to see if removing the first few lines can give you your real first line.
Tips:
- Spend time crafting your first line
- Use your first line to establish your unique voice
- Use your first line to surprise
- Write it, let it rest, and then rewrite it.
- Test it on readers
I will finish with the Wise Words of Stephen King.
'An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen, come in here, you want to know about this.'
I'd love to know some of the first lines in your book. Post them in the comments, so we can all read them.
About the Author
Wendy H. Jones is a multi-award-winning, international best-selling author who writes adult crime books, young adult mysteries, children's picture books and non-fiction books for writers. She is also a writing and marketing coach, partner in Auscot Publishing and Retreats, and the CEO of Authorpreneur Accelerator Academy, as well as the president of the Scottish Association of Writers and host of The Writing and Marketing Show podcast. She is currently writing a series of historical fiction novels based around the life of a 19th Century Surgeon in the Royal Navy. She is also a founding partner of Auscot Publishing and Retreats.
Website
Amazon Author Page
Website
Amazon Author Page
Comments