by Jordan Jolley
The first sentence of any story is important. It is what makes the reader want to read more. It draws him into the story and lets him know what kind of world he is about to enter.
The most effective thing the first sentence should do is set the tone of the story. If you are writing a horror story, you can create the imagery for something scary: “A black mist crept through the forest…” You can also create some action: “The warning came immediately after the monster was sighted…”
It is also important to use a particular sentence correctly. The phrase “Once Upon a Time…” is well-known in first sentences, but it can only work in the right stories. It may work with a short fairy tale, but it won’t work as well in something like a novel. You don’t want to overuse a particular phrase. That will just bore the reader. You must also remember not to overdo the first sentence. There’s little need to make it big and complex because that can bore the reader as well. It takes something simple yet effective to draw him in. Take a look in a book that you like and read the first sentence. It is usually a simple sentence (though a comma or two isn’t bad). Very rare will you see a big, complex sentence that begins a book.
It may sound difficult to write a good “first sentence” by keeping it simple yet powerful, but it is not too hard. When you write your first sentence, just read it over and ask yourself, “Does this make me want to read more?” If it does, have a friend read it. It is good to see if an outside mind is drawn into the story as well. It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to make a good first sentence. Just remember that it should make your reader want to keep reading. It is the usher to your world.
Alternately titled The First Sentence.
Guest post contributed by Jordan Jolley . Since he was a student in Elementary School, Jordan has devoted much of his time to writing. Though still young, he continues to prepare himself for a long yet adventurous journey in writing. He currently lives in Dayton, Idaho where he is creating the next chapter of The Tales of Draco series.
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Time proven. A good first sentence will keep them reading.
Good advice.
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I have started my novel and found that my first sentence is a question the narrator asks to herself. Is this a bad plan?
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Reblogged this on Cynthia Hilston – Author & Blogger.
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yes, good advice. the first sentence is so important. i have a list of famous first sentences somewhere. food for thought.
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Great advice. Something for me to keep in mind when I tackle another short story.
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Reblogged this on Kim's Musings.
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This is the greatest first sentence I ever read in a novel:
The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.
It told the entire story. I bought the book after reading that first sentence. But here’s the funny part – I didn’t like it. I thought Stephen King missed the mark. But the opening line pulled me in. That’s how powerful a first sentence can be.
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Though I agree in principle I think authors should take care not to over stress about first sentences. Surly most readers are able to get beyond one sentence. Attention spans may have shortened but surely not to such a degree (I hope). I would have missed many enjoyable reads if I had followed this first sentence principle.
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I am taking your advice – going to look at the first page – the first sentence – of several of my essays! Thanks for the reminder.
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Good reminders here.
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Thank you for this post, great advices. I find myself always straggle to find the “perfect” opining to my stories.
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Opening**
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Reblogged this on Author Steve Boseley – Half a Loaf of Fiction.
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