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The Magic of a First Line: How Your Opening Can Make or Break Your Story
by Writing Workshops Staff
A year ago
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"The first sentence can't be written until the final sentence is written." - Joyce Carol Oates
As writers, we strive to captivate our readers from the moment they start reading our story. And what better way to do this than with a powerful first line? Your opening is the hook, the bait, the invitation to dive into your world. And yet, so often, this crucial piece of writing is overlooked or rushed.
"The beginning of a story is like the door of a house, it should stand ajar, inviting the passerby to venture inside." - Neil Gaiman
But why does a first line matter so much? Well, for starters, editors, agents, and readers all agree that it's the deciding factor in whether they continue reading your story or not. If your opening doesn't grab their attention, they'll likely move on to the next book on their list. And with so many distractions and options at their fingertips, you only have a few seconds to make an impact.
"A great opening line is a snowflake that melts into rain, that starts the story flowing and sets the tone." - Daniel Handler
So, what makes a first line effective? Here are some key elements to keep in mind:
- Curiosity: A great first line should make your reader want to know more. Use a surprising statement, an intriguing question, or a vivid image to spark their interest.
- Tone: Your first line sets the tone for the rest of your story. Make sure it reflects the mood, tone, and style of your writing.
- Voice: Your first line should showcase your unique voice as a writer. Let your personality shine through and make a connection with your reader.
Now, let's take a look at some famous first lines from literature that embody these elements:
- "I had never seen my father cry." - J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997)
- "It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn't know what I was doing in New York." - Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar (1963)
- "The year I turned 26, I set out to see the world, or as much of it as I could afford." - Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love (2006)
- "All children, except one, grow up." - J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan (1911)
- "When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold." - Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl (2012)
- "It was a pleasure to burn." - Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451 (1953)
- "It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite when Ali announced that the archbishop had come to see me." - Salmon Rushdie, The Moor's Last Sigh (1995)
- "In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1925)
- "One summer evening, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Utterson stepped out of their front door and walked slowly down the street." - Robert Louis Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886)
- "It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen." - George Orwell, 1984 (1949)
"A good opening line should invite the reader to begin the story, it should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this." - Stephen King
Remember, a first line is more than just a sentence – it's a promise. It's a promise to your reader that the story they're about to embark on will be worth their time. So, take the time to craft a killer first line, and watch as your story comes to life.
"Your first sentence must be the ring of the telephone that jolts the reader into alertness in the middle of the night." - William Zinsser
In conclusion, the first line of your story is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It's your chance to make a lasting impression and leave your reader wanting more. So, take inspiration from the greats, and make your first line as magical as the story that follows.
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