Firsts In Fiction: First Line Hooks, Hints & Help: Writing With Excellence Series

by Aaron D. Gansky

Admit it: you've gone to your local book store, picked up a book, and skimmed the opening page. Don't be ashamed. You're not alone. Now, as a writer, ask yourself this: if a casual consumer picked up your story, your novel, what would they think of your first line? Scary thought? If you're a writer, chances are you've been stuck on how to craft an opening line. This book can help. Analyzing some of the greatest first lines in fiction can help us find the techniques the masters used in creating some of the most enduring lines in literature. But more than just a simple analysis, this book will show you how to compress things like character, conflict, voice, and setting into a line that will embody an entire work, and immediately establish your authority as a writer. After reading this book, you'll have the confidence and tools to craft a first line that will make editors and casual consumers stand up and take notice. And regardless of the words you choose to use, your first lines will say, very loudly, very proudly, "This is a book you have to read." Bio: In addition to being a loving father and husband, Aaron D. Gansky is a novelist, teacher, and editor of The Citron Review, an online literary journal. In 2009, he earned his M.F.A in Fiction at the prestigious Antioch University of Los Angeles, one of the top five low-residency writing schools in the nation. He is the author of the novel The Bargain (2013, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) as well as Write To Be Heard, Write Like You Talk - Help With Voice, Character, Dialogue, and more! Currently, he is writing a YA Fantasy series called the Hand of Adonai which you can read at http: //handofadonai.wordpress.com/.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

44 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2012

Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a practical book that looks at the challenging task of writing a great first line that will hook the reader (and publisher). It does give some good ideas and different ways of framing that elusive first sentence (through conflict, character, setting, voice etc) yet I was a little disappointed both in the depth of the content and the length of the book. It also had many references to classic first sentences - which I appreciate but I am also aware that today's competitive market is often looking for something different from how it was done even 10 years ago let alone 100. I had hoped to learn more. Still - I did learn something and Firsts in Fiction was still worth reading.

[Eliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative. And on top of that, it was a quick read. I took two full pages of notes on my own from this short book. Two full pages on how to write better stories. It gave me tips on how to revise, start sentences, avoid repetition, and much more. There were a couple pieces of writing I skimmed over though. When the author stated all of his sources in the middle of his writing and even in the footnotes, my eyes instantly skipped over them and kept reading the rest of the book. Even though I'm sure Aaron D. Gansky had no choice but to add these sources in his writing, I feel as if he mentioned these sources where needed in his book and then did a thorough bibliography in the end, I wouldn't skip over so much valuable writing. Otherwise, a very helpful and well written book.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm almost embarrassed to list this in my challenge because it's such a short book. I mean, calling it a "book" is a stretch. This should be a 99-cent e-book. The content is excellent, but it is so overpriced. So that's why I'm justifying adding it to my Challenge readings--I spent what I'd normally spend on a 200-300 page book. But Gansky's wisdom on writing compelling first lines tops out at 38 pages. Just consider this a caveat emptor--check out the quantity as well as the quality before purchasing your next book.

[Kaden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book was short, I enjoyed the read. This book had great tips and advice on how to start of a piece of writing. I liked how the author included quotes and examples from famous novels to illustrate his point even further. All in all, this book was a great lesson on how to use literary tools to create astonishing pieces of writing.

[Dr. Hrubik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction: I read this short book in one sitting and now it is being passed around by my students who are interested in creative writing. It gave some great advice on how to start stories in a memorable way and lots of examples of great first lines in fiction.

[Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in Fiction is a great down and dirty guide to all of the helpful little hints that writers and aspiring writers need to know. This is a great guide and even though it isn't that long I learned a lot from it and I'm really glad that I read it.

Despite being short it cuts right to the heart of what is important without all of the fluff that other writing books add in. This is a great guide that is direct and to the point.

5 Stars

[Fire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firsts in Fiction is a helpful guide on how to write a great opening to your book. It is a guide that shows you what not to write and how to avoid cliche's and boring drab openings that will turn readers away. This is a helpful guide and I'm glad that I read it, it gave me several ideas on how to start out my own work.

[Janice]

Short yet great food for thought

My expectations were few when I picked this up however, as a new writer, I pick up everything I can and read it. Occasionally, I find a gem like this that clearly, concisely states what you need to consider then leaves it to you to apply.