tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162697787444358072.post1360062448145952292..comments2024-02-14T03:39:37.642-05:00Comments on My Not So Secret Writing Life: First LinesSuzie F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09560250678212373878noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162697787444358072.post-62540601668539788802010-08-19T11:13:04.696-04:002010-08-19T11:13:04.696-04:00I love when a book grips me from the first page. B...I love when a book grips me from the first page. But when it doesn't I try to push through anyway because often it ends up being worth it and the book turns out to be really good or at least more enjoyable than I thought it would. I hate not finishing a book. But I must admit that I have picked up a book at the library because the title or cover picture grabbed my attention, opened it, read page 1, didnt feel hooked so put it back on the shelf.Wendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00541562743784061571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162697787444358072.post-78837061573267612312010-08-18T15:00:34.251-04:002010-08-18T15:00:34.251-04:00That's so true, kimmy. There's nothing bet...That's so true, kimmy. There's nothing better than an end of the chapter hook. I've often found myself reading way too late because I had to start just one more chapter.Suzie F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09560250678212373878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162697787444358072.post-74228805884959129712010-08-18T14:57:30.038-04:002010-08-18T14:57:30.038-04:00Thanks snakey, that means a lot coming from such a...Thanks snakey, that means a lot coming from such a talented snake as yourself! It was fun putting it together.<br /><br />I agree and I love that too. It was fun going through some of my favorites and current reads.Suzie F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09560250678212373878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162697787444358072.post-89018598252317603402010-08-18T14:53:25.751-04:002010-08-18T14:53:25.751-04:00Hi Jason, thanks for stopping by. You've made ...Hi Jason, thanks for stopping by. You've made some great points.<br /><br />Most books that I read are based on recommendations too. When I'm browsing at the the library/bookstore for something new I tend to decide based on a) the cover, b) the back/inside jacket (and it irritates me when there's nothing but blurbs of praise), and c) the first few lines.<br /><br />I think unpublished writers are often looking for that magic formula to get an agent to look at their work. There's so much competition to get something picked out of the slush pile. That first line, first paragraph, first page becomes important. On to your guesses...<br /><br />4 out of 10 Nice!Suzie F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09560250678212373878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162697787444358072.post-43907731013911477992010-08-18T13:09:46.316-04:002010-08-18T13:09:46.316-04:00I find myself more often being hooked by the end o...I find myself more often being hooked by the end of the first chapter than the first line. I often find myself picking up a new book to "just read the first chapter" and then finding myself COMPLETELY unable to put it down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162697787444358072.post-88218902714931059772010-08-18T11:54:13.905-04:002010-08-18T11:54:13.905-04:00I'll have to go hunting through my favorite bo...I'll have to go hunting through my favorite books when I get home! I love where there is a bit of mystery in that first line that begins to be fleshed out throughout that first chapter--as long as the writer wasn't trying to be clever for clever's sake. I think that movie screenplays that do the same are exciting for me as well. <br /><br />---<br /><br />By the way, good looking blog! I love the readability of your colours and that pattern is amazing. /artist blatheringsnakeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06484011633190481344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162697787444358072.post-1768242242178657662010-08-18T11:26:41.992-04:002010-08-18T11:26:41.992-04:00I know a few, and feel like I should know a couple...I know a few, and feel like I should know a couple others. I'll post my answers at the end of this, so spoiler alert for those who want to give it a try themselves...<br /><br />Anyway, nice post - I don't think that I'm too picky about first lines when I read. I usually read a book based on things I've heard about it, recommendations from people I respect mostly. Or just on a general feeling I have about it before I actually open it up (maybe the jacket design or something). With that in mind, I think I tend to give books more of a chance than the first line/ first page, though I'm sure there HAVE been times when I've randomly picked up a book somewhere and been drawn in by that first line, paragraph, page... more the exception than the rule for me, though, I believe.<br /><br />Separate from any ability to hook readers, the opening lines of a book do certainly set a tone, and the best ones can linger on and affect the story that follows. Sometimes they're even interesting/catchy/whatever enough to be remembered (my memory for specific lines I've read is not great, I think).<br /><br />Anyway - looking forward to your own first lines!<br /><br />Jason<br /><br />-- my answers --<br /><br />1 is Coraline (duh); 2 is I Capture the Castle; 3 I don't know; 4 I think I know but can't remember off the top of my head!; 5 I don't know but it sounds awesome; 6 don't know; 7 is From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (sp?); 8 and 9 don't know; 10 must be the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.Jason Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13051151614767532205noreply@blogger.com