McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft
The first line
Dresden:
--- Quote from: neurovore on October 17, 2007, 07:45:54 PM ---Well, if you're putting them down after the first para if you don't like the first para, that kind of biases the sampling method, no ?
Some stories want quiet starts that draw you in gradually. It's not a flaw, whereas forcing a slam-bang hook on a story that does not want it is.
--- End quote ---
I do give a book more of a chance then the first line but I can usually know from the off if I'm going to enjoy it or not. I usually give 100 pages and if I really dislike it then I stop reading.
seradhe:
I like the replies! ;D
It seems there's a pretty even split between hooks and nets. So what are the thoughts on ending lines? same rules apply? if the entire book is good, then the last line can be "neh.." or does it have to be a good sendoff?
.. and yes blgarver, "The man in black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed" counts as an awesome last line too :P
My favorite ending line in a book is "In the Dawn of a new world, Damien Vryce smiled". Mucho Brownie points to anyone who knows the book.
Shecky:
One I've never seen used: "All this touchy-feely stuff was making my ass itch." If that doesn't catch your attention, nothing will. ;D
seradhe:
--- Quote from: Shecky on October 18, 2007, 03:33:13 PM ---One I've never seen used: "All this touchy-feely stuff was making my ass itch." If that doesn't catch your attention, nothing will. ;D
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I would politely ask your permission, as the creative owner of that line, if I may write something starting with that line ;D
Shecky:
--- Quote from: seradhe on October 18, 2007, 03:46:48 PM ---I would politely ask your permission, as the creative owner of that line, if I may write something starting with that line ;D
--- End quote ---
If you can stomach it, you can have it with my blessings. I simply exude that kind of junk. ;D
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