April 22, 2006
Intriguing First Lines
Written by Cindy Kirk in Writers and WritingWhen I go to pick out a book to read, it’s usually the cover and the title that first attracts me. After I flip it over (or open the book) and read the cover copy, I turn to the first page.
Authors are told that you need to hook the reader from the very first line. I’m not sure that’s true, but they do need to hook me from at least the first few paragraphs.
Still, that first line does hold the power to capture (or not capture) my interest.
So, I’m going to give you some examples of some first lines that I like…and perhaps you’ll then share some from either your own work or from one of your favorite authors.
Here goes:
I’ll start with my own two books:
“Want to get laid?”
When She Was Bad Cindy Kirk Avon July 2007
“Everyone knows the best one night stands happen at weddings.”
When She Was Good Cindy Kirk Avon April 2008
“I’ve heard it said that in order to find her prince, a girl has to kiss a lot of frogs. Start calling me Wart Lips.” Reality TV Bites Shane Bolks Avon July 2007
Dear Lord, how did I mange to get myself into this? A Kiss Before Dawn Kimberly Logan Avon
“Blast that girl!” A Kiss in the Dark Kimberly Logan Avon
“Well,” Lady Oxley huffed, “I suppose there are worse things than having some cit’s daughter marry into your family, but for the life of me I can’t think of it.” This Rake Of Mine Elizabeth Boyle Avon 2005
On Sunday, something washed up on shore. The Lightkeeper Susan Wiggs Mira 1997
What do you think? First line important or not? Have any examples you’d care to share???
12:26 pm | Share This
Isabel Says:
Hmmm, good topic, Cindy. I have so many autobuy authors at this point in my reading life that I don’t really mind what the cover looks like or what the titles are.
I just buy the book and read it.
When at the book store after I’ve picked up my autobuys I typically browse the shelves and pick up books at random. If the first line catches my attention then I read the blurb and turn back to read the title again.
Some of my favorite first lines:
“Anvrai d’Arques felt uneasy in spite of all the music and merriment around him” The Bride Hunt by Margo Maguire
“It was a hell of night for an elopement. After three miserable hours the rain had finally ceased.”
The Abduction of Julia by Karen Hawkins
“It aint’s proper. It just ain’t proper. You acting no better than a brazen hussy,” the dark skinned woman beside Charlotte grumble. You hear me, Miss Charlotte?”
“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve turning over in my mind ever since.” The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
And of course the opening line from P&P by Jane Austen.
Isabel
Now I’m heading over to RI to read Robyn’s post!
Haven Rich Says:
Great topic. I always think the first line of a book will set the mood. I know this isn’t a set in stone room but sometimes you can just tell.
Examples(not from actual books..at least not that I know of)
Dark stormy night…most times a darker story
Her breath caught in her throat has his lips touched her cheek…a general start for something steamy hehe.
Stella looked at the dancers - they all seemed like puppets. She wondered what would happen if she cut the strings….I’m thinking fun..mostly because she doesnt want to fit in.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Great topic Cindy.
Shana Says:
Oh, I love reading all these first lines! And thanks for including mine from Pride and Petticoats, Haven! I also love the first line of A Tale of Two Cities, Gone with the Wind, and–as Haven mentioned–Pride and Prejudice
Isabel Says:
See what happens when you post a comment with a cat sitting in front of the computer monitor? You leave important details out. That “you” being me of course.
The quote about Charlotte is from Shana Galen’s Pride & Petticoats.
While I’m here and the cat is away from the desk let me share another first line…
“A stableboy wasn’t suppose to speak with an earl’s daughter, much less climb up her bedroom window” Again the Magic, by Lisa Kleypas
Robyn DeHart Says:
I envy writers who can nail those clever first lines. I’ve never been very good at them myself. I just hope readers forgive me once they get into the first chapter. I at least work on making that really draw you in, but those pesky first lines. My cp is very good at them though, maybe I’ll get her to help me the next time around.
Shana Says:
Well, here’s what happens when you try to post while your life is in boxes around you and the movers are bearing closer and closer to the computer room! Thank you, ISABEL for including my book in your comment!