Nov. 6, 2023
What is the best opening paragraph you’ve written? (inspired by a comment by Richard) Do you have a favorite one that is different?
Finding the right ‘spot’ to start a story is hard. Creating an opening that does it justice and grabs the reader’s attention is harder. Picking my best one is nearly impossible. I’m rather fond of the one in my work-in-progress, which is still unnamed, (I’m always attached to my WIP!) so I’m going to pick it.
Fair warning. This hasn’t been edited, other than the usual tearing it apart and putting it back together a million times again that I do with all my openings. There may be errors, and this isn’t its final form. I’m open to suggestions.
The mellow voice of Hank Jr. disappeared as she closed the bar’s door behind her. When Annie McGregor stepped outside to clear the cigarette smoke from her lungs, the alley behind the Flats Lounge stunk as bad as she expected. The stench of stale alcohol, piss, and rotten eggs courtesy of Pittsburgh’s remaining steel mills, assaulted her. It wasn’t enough to disguise the coppery odor reminiscent of the time her grandpa had butchered a cow during her summer visit to his farm.
Do at least some of you know who I’m referring to as Hank Jr.? Do I need to add his last name?
For my loyal readers—no, this isn’t a Harmony Duprie book. Don’t worry, she’s still enjoying her retirement.
Now, for the second part of the question—which first paragraph is my personal favorite?
I’m fond of the opening paragraph of The Ranger’s Dog Tags. It’s short, but sets the stage. And I’ve always loved writing scenes that feature Dolores.
The squad car screamed down the street, its red and blue lights tearing through the darkness. I feathered the gas pedal and waited for a second set of headlights to pass. Dolores, my salsa-red F-type Jaguar, growled in anticipation.
I wrote almost an entire chapter (that didn’t make the cut) before this part. Remember what I said about finding the right place to start? It’s not easy.
I’m looking forward to reading the opening paragraphs of the other authors on this hop. Check out the links below.
As always, please stay safe until next time.
Nov. 6, 2023
What is the best opening paragraph you’ve written? (inspired by a comment by Richard) Do you have a favorite one that is different?
Rules:
1. Link your blog to this hop.
2. Notify your following that you are participating in this blog hop.
3. Promise to visit/leave a comment on all participants’ blogs.
4. Tweet/or share each person’s blog post. Use #OpenBook when tweeting.
5. Put a banner on your blog that you are participating.
Hank Williams? Some good opening paragraphs there, P.J.
Yes, Hank Williams, Jr. I think I can get away with the shortened version.
There’s no lack of action in either of those. I love the sense of urgency you inject, it makes me read faster and need to know more.
thanks, Richard!
I often find that what I wrote first isn’t really the beginning. Sometimes it doesn’t even make it into the book. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
I do that a lot. But the discarded chapter helps me settle into the story and the characters.