Year-long NaNo discussion
Anna C. S.
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WIP // Cold Hands - How to Begin A Book
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Only a serious one for about 4 years or so :) Let's see....
Direct quotes from characters are good starter sentences.
*racks brains* If I think of any more, I'll let you know. My brain is NOT cooperating right now.
Anna wrote: "So I am working on an experimental WIP which is much, much different from anything I have done so far. 1. I'm trying a new format
2. I'm trying a new style
3. I'm going to try to make this a nove..."
I like to start of my story with a BANG! You know just a sentence that snags the reader's attention and make them say what now? For instance I start my book with the line "For me, normal died on Tuesday. I'm still mourning it."
I also like action, or if not action then having your characters do something that's different. For instance Janette Rallison, one of my favorite authors starts off one of her books with her characters Black Friday shopping and one of her characters gets into a fight with a ill-tempered fellow.
I like the beginning sentence a lot. When I first read the middle two, it kind of felt like an information overload with all the description. I read them over several times, and I liked the vividness of the description more and more each time I reread it. It probably just needs to be broken up a little during editing, I wouldn't change or get rid of any of the actual description because it is beautiful. (I hope that made sense....)
And I like the last sentence too. Character quirks make it much more realistic.
You're welcome!!! I'm so glad you had a good writing day :)
Whoa. Wow, this is so beautifully written, Anna!
I tend to start my stories with a mild conflict. Usually the character is doing something ordinary - looking out a window, writing, etc. - and someone/thing sets up an annoyance. It can be either character or plot driven.
It has to get the reader's attention and interest (why is she acting this way, she sounds cool, those kinds of reactions)