Cheryl,Your first lines are weak because they don'...

2007-09-11T02:33:00.000-07:00

Cheryl,

Your first lines are weak because they don't have a strong contrast.

Sebold's have a strong contrast, making the reader question, how could anyone kill such a positive girl?

When you start with a pronoun it doesn't mean anything if what the pronoun refers to is not described or hinted at.

Don't make your reader work in the wrong way trying to figure out your meaning.

Contrast, contrast, contrast!!!

Don't teach writing. Do it!!

See www.thewritersinterface.com

First, I have to say I loved The Lovely Bones. It ...

2007-09-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

First, I have to say I loved The Lovely Bones. It is a poignant story with a memorable protagonist whose story is sweet, sad and one I won't soon forget.

As an author of mainly suspense, I believe that first lines are crucial. A lot of thought goes into mine. In a study awhile ago (sorry I don't have the info but I'm sure you could find it on a search), it claimed that many bestselling classics began the first sentence with a pronoun. I also believe that first lines hook the reader and give them a sense of what's to happen.

In my new unpublished suspense thriller Children of the Fog, my first line is:
She was ready to die.

In my 2007 bestseller Whale Song, my first line is:
I once feared death.

In my 2005 thriller The River:
"She always leads with her heart," a voice croaked.

In my 2004 paranormal suspense Divine Intervention:
It always began with the dead girl in her closet.

It seems death is often a precursor to a Cheryl Kaye Tardif novel, but then again, I do write suspense, mystery, thrillers, and I always seem to be killing someone off. :)

First lines have such an impact on a reader. They can be dry and boring, describing the weather, the traffic or scenery, or they can throw you into the action or situation or make you go 'What?'. That's what I like to do. Toss you in and have you want to read further to make sense of that first line.

While teaching various writing courses over the years, I have always taught the Four Firsts.
1. first sentence
2. first paragraph
3. first page
4. first chapter

Each of these 'firsts' should leave you wanting more! As an author, if I accomplish this, I feel I am on a roll. :)

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
www.cherylktardif.com

Comments on Book Marketing Bestsellers: Promoting books to a worldwide audience. Book Promotion Blog!: Some Great First Lines

Cheryl,Your first lines are weak because they don'...

First, I have to say I loved The Lovely Bones. It ...