Thursday, December 29, 2011

Best First Lines and Chapters_the Novel

Dostoyevsky's notes for Chapter 5 of The Broth...

Image at right is from Wikipedia -- "Dostoevsky's notes for chapter 5 of The Brothers Karamazov"_note the planning and detail!

HAPPY NEW YEAR GREETINGS!
Jean Purcell
Twitter @opinaripeople
Opine 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? 


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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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Blessed Christmas Eve!

Blessed Christmas Eve to You and Yours. Those who went into the temple or synagogue to worship and to pray on that day long ago, soon learned that the world had been changed by the God they trusted. Among them perhaps were Peter, James, and John, and the other disciples that became the apostles of the Lord and Among them perhaps was Paul, the persecutor of the church who became another aposble of Christ.

How great are the works of God. His works of grace are still being made ready every evening and morning!


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

"Taste and See": Free Book Chapters in One Book/Smashwords


Jean Purcell
Opine eStore and Book Cafe
Twitter @opinaripeople


Author and writing mentor Lorilyn Roberts founded a creative and efficient marketing network for Christian authors a few years ago. She continues to innovate through a recent advance for Christian authors and readers. Taste and See serves up chapters from selected new books. Maybe you'd like to taste samples from any of the many choices. Free copies are available until December 31 through Smashwords.  
   All reviewers quoted below* gave five-star rating (out of five). Published by" represents the company, organization, or individual reviewer. * From recent Announcement/Press Release.  sent to me by e-mail via Constant Contact (logo above). Here is a link to the Taste and See cover.

What a few reviewers have said about Taste and See 
 
*A savory array of great works. One will find a savory array of great works, or powerful messages, riveting stories and profound insights...all included in Taste and See....Published 8 days ago by Inspirational Books

*A library in one book As a contributor to Taste and See I'm excited to be part of this compilation. What a wonderful way to introduce readers to new authors and their works... Published 13 days ago by K Payne

*A Smorgasbord of Delight! Taste and See is truly a smorgasbord for the reader. There is something for everyone here, including Fiction, self help, devotionals, and even poetr... Published 14 days ago by Tracy Krauss

*Taste and See is a banquet of the soul-"Taste and See" is an innovative way to discover if you will like a new book, all in one place. From children's literature to adult suspense, history, humor, you name it. Read more Published 15 days ago by Sally Franz

*Innovative Idea…15 days ago by Theresa Franklin

*Savor the Taste and See... Whet your appetite! This is a lovely little book, filled with first chapter vignettes written by an assortment of talented authors, all with a common goal of bringing the joy of Christ... Published 15 days ago by Sherrill S. Cannon

*If you hunger for God - you'll love this book! Taste and See, A Sampling of First Chapters by the John 3:16 Marketing Network Authors is a wonderful way to preview a variety of Christian authors and their books...Published 15 days ago by God Mission Possible

That’s the review taste here. And here's the link for Press Page for Taste and See. The above review parts are from Taste and See site/press page e-mail sent to me via Constant Contact

I'm downloading my free copy of Taste and See today!

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