I'm guest blogging over at Routines for Writers today talking about first lines and why I wrote mine the way I did. So if you're interested in what makes a great first line and what to think about to make your first lines sing, pop on over and take a peek.
I haven't forgotten abut Find Your Plot Fridays, and that'll be up later this morning.
Hi Janice,
ReplyDeleteI recently found your blog and am loving it. Every entry keeps me thinking, plotting, and planning about how to make my book better - which is wonderful. So thanks for the awesome blog.
I read your post at Routines for Writers and had a question for you. Like you, I can't seem to start a book without getting that first line down. So I'm curious, is the beginning line the first thing you write when beginning a story? I'll sometimes draft scenes that I know will be in the story, but I can't seem to piece anything together until I get the opening solidified. How does it work for you?
(And if you've already answered this in a previous post I apologize for not looking thoroughly enough).
Jane
Thanks, Jane, and welcome to the blog! I write chronologically, but I sometimes make notes on scenes I have in my head for later, or I'll get an idea for a line or two of dialog. I need to know where my protag's head is at emotionally when they start a scene or I don't know what's driving them. I've found I can't do that if I jump around. I do, however, have friends who write out of order and it works very well for them.
ReplyDeleteGreat post on your first line! I took a jaunt over and read it. I'm like you--I CANNOT continue writing until I have that first line down. Later on I may tweak one or two words, but usually it has to be 98% formed before I can move on with the story. And hey, I like your chicken stealing intro! Nice. :) Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI think I work in reverse. Usually I need a solid climax to work towards before I can really start. Your post does make me realise that I often neglect the importance of the opening lines in my work, though.
ReplyDeleteCarol: Thanks! You, too.
ReplyDeletePaul: I never did until a conference several years ago, then it all clicked for me. One of those major light bulb moments. I do need to know at least a general ending before I can start plotting a story, though. And then I'll have to rewrite it at least twice :)