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Image at right is from Wikipedia -- "Dostoevsky's notes for chapter 5 of The Brothers Karamazov"_note the planning and detail!
Jean Purcell
Twitter @opinaripeopleOpine eStore and Book Cafe
Twitter @OpineBooksCafe
"May THIS DAY OF THE NEW YEAR be a day of thanks continuing for you!"
"In the beginning, God..." of Genesis 1 is the best first line ever. That is the first expression of the written Truth of God. It is not intended as a writing lesson. Most of the world knows that divine beginning because of its inspired expression and its meanings, from scientific mysteries to the Creator's plan for all of heaven and earth contained in the first and following chapters of Genesis.
We do non-scriptural writing, yet we aim to write as succinctly as those who wrote the inspired scriptures. Also, we learn from each other. We are readers, too, and highly critical.
Is there a novel, for example, by a little-known author that drew you in due to an
intriguing first line or chapter?
Is there a novel, for example, by a little-known author that drew you in due to an
intriguing first line or chapter?
Like a new gate someone discovers and stands, deciding whether or not to enter (who will be there? what will be the tone of the place? will it be worth the time?), a novel's first chapter must invite, even draw, the reader to enter. The author and everyone helping the book in publication want readers to decide, and quickly, to enter the story. Therefore, hints whether soft of jolting of the lives, experiences, meanings, and insights must appear at the gate of the first lines of the first chapter, and all the way through to the satisfying end.
First impressions count in writing.
Happy, Harmonious New Year 2012 to you!
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