The Eclectic Writer is about writing and the things that effect a writer. About my books and those of others.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wednesday's Writer's Tip - First Lines #amwriting #amlearning
When I was re-reading How To Write Mysteries by Shannon OCork I came across a quote by Mickey Spillane. While he was talking about mysteries I believe the quote applies to most genre fiction,
"The first page sells a mystery and the last page sells the next one."
To me this makes sense for all stories. I've often read a book by an author never read before and the first page draws me in and the last page makes me want to read the author's next book. Sometimes the author's back list is sought. This has happened to my with romance, fantasy, science fiction, action adventure, mysteries, You name it. I've often found these books by accident when looking for another book.
So what does that first page need to do to pull a reader forward? These sentences set the tone of the story, establish the time period, define the setting, and introduce a character that makes the reader want to learn what is happening in this world you have created. Have you ever read a story and been fooled by perhaps the blurb, the cover or something else and when you start reading learn this story isn't what you signed on to read? I have and that makes me not want to read any more words of the story. hat first page is very important. This is the bait.
Now about that last page. The last page needs to end where the story does, needs to satisfy the reader in an emotional way, and be something to remember since you want your readers to buy your next book. I've read books where the story ends. I have that emotional reaction but the writer goes on and on to explain what happened or to show the characters having their happy or satisfactory ending continue into the future. Sometimes this is a chapter or an epilogue. So often that makes me go ho hum. Not something you want your reader to feel.
I agree that the first page, even the first line has to sell the book. The last page has to have all those plot lines tied up with a nice neat bow.
ReplyDeleteSometimes in a series there will be one or more plot lines left dangling so you'll read the next book in the series.
But not finishing the book on the last page seems needy to me. The writer can't let go of the characters.
Janice~
I loved the quote from Mickey Spillane. I would even say that the first sentence is of major importance. If there's back story in that first page, I go to the ho hum zone. I like it when it goes straight into the situation or action. I'm really hooked then.
ReplyDeleteSome very good advice, Janet.
Oh, use. I write and re-write and then wire that first line again. Greta post, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat opening line is a toughy. So far, I've been reading either books by friends of mine, or books recommended by friends, or reviewers I follow... So, I know I'm going to go past that first line. I also find that it can often take me a few pages to settle into an author's "voice"... those first few pages may not seems great, but suddenly I "get" it, and I'm away...
ReplyDeleteBut, yes... how you close must count for something. If I find myself going on to read the acknowledgements and all the advertising in the back of a book, I know I'm hooked...
I've read many times that it's good to start "in the action". I think that's another balancing act. I've just started a book that dumped me in the action. All the MC's closest friends/family are dead. Sad, right? Except, I don't really know the MC, yet. So at the moment, I just feel awkward seeing her crying and blubbering. Perhaps starting just a little bit earlier, so I felt like I knew her might have been a better move?
I like to think of a reader meeting a character much like them meeting their new best friend. Some introductions go well, and some, no matter how wonderful a person may be, don't make a great first impression...