I usually don’t get stuck with book beginnings (endings are more of a problem for me), because I have a similar approach each time. This may not give me an award for originality, but it does seem to work.
I like to open with dialogue and start the book in the middle of some sort of change for my protagonist. The point where a normal, everyday, boring day turns into something different.
Now endings? They’re tougher for me. I usually write several of those and decide which one I like best. That would be easy to do with a beginning, too. It takes off some of the pressure when we realize we can change it.
If you get stuck at the beginning of your book, you could even skip it and write it last.
Opening lines I’m not crazy about
I’ll admit to being a pretty picky reader. I think this is because I have such a long list of books to read that I just move to the next title on the list if a book doesn’t grab me.
Although opening with setting is fine, I do want the setting to be an important part of the story if the book opens up with it.
Long descriptions on the first page usually make me start skimming.
Too many character names at the very beginning of a book can make me confused, too.
Book openings usually have several goals:
Introducing the protagonist…just getting them onstage so the reader knows whom the story is about.
Posing a question, introducing some conflict, or generally hinting the plot’s direction.
Showing the writer’s voice.
Interesting opening lines
Looking for some examples of some enticing opening lines? Check out this article from Stylist: “The best 100 opening lines from books.”
As a reader, what kinds of book beginning get you hooked? As a writer, are opening lines tough for you?
That first sentence never seems right to me. No matter how many different versions I make I never fully embrace it. I think there’s something wrong with me. I do agree that too much information (names, events, etc) can be overwhelming in the first few pages. Good post.
Elizabeth – To me, opening lines are in many ways like an introduction. That first impression is an important and lasting one, so it’s important to think about it carefully. I agree with you about the kinds of opening lines that don’t work for you, especially the one about too much description. I’m also not crazy about long sentences. I try to use my opening lines to anchor the reader so the reader can get into the story right away.
Opening lines are my favorite (if they are good and clever) even over the ending of a book. I will walk away if you don’t grab me quick.
Just like in life, if you make a good first impression, you may have a friend for life. A book should do the same–good first impression.
Great post.
I go back to my first page when I’m partway through the book, and many times during the process of writing and editing, because I know my opening hook is never good enough.
I don’t want to know about the setting. I want to know about the characters. I want a question that makes me want to know the answer. I thought I had a good opener for my WIP, but Hubster said he didn’t like it. So, it’ll change. Again.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
I’m terrible for settling on a good opening line. It’s just so hard to know what works. I’m much more comfortable writing endings.
Here’s one of my favorite opening lines: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in
possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
Jane Austen has a dry, ironic humor I enjoy, and I find that my first lines tend to gravitate that way.
What a helpful post. Funny, after I get the idea for a story, it just has to sit awhile until I think of that first line. Once, I actually dreamed a first line.
I like the slow start of the Classics. But the pace is faster everywhere now, so I guess it’s the same with books. Or maybe I’m just getting old >;D
Cold As Heaven
There are some opening lines that stick with me, but I think overall, it’s the story that makes or breaks a book. My biggest pet peeve – too many characters introduced too quickly. An even worse sin? Similar sounding character names.
I don’t think I like a certain style – it just has to be good in the style the writer has chosen. I just read a whizbang thriller and it had me on the first words – sorry can’t say them as my step-dot took the book to school! But I can like a nice slow beginning – like in Dickens or Ondaatje – just fine.
I sometimes have to start several times before I get the one I’m happy with… it doesn’t mean I’m stalled at the beginning, but a couple chapters in I’ll realize i started too early or too late.
As for reading–I am with you on description–I definitely prefer to come in on an interaction instead of ‘telling’. i’ve HEARD don’t start with dialog, but when I READ, I like it, so I often do (especially the cozies–I feel like it sets the mood well)
The very first line is difficult, although everything after that flows. Since I usually envision the ending first, that’s never a problem though.
I’ve always like opening with dialogue, too. For my nanowrimo project, I’m trying something different though. I also get irritated when I’m bombarded with descriptions too soon.