First Sentence Frenzy

I've been reading a lot of book reviews. One reviewer always includes the first line of the book. I think it's a great idea, and might even start doing that myself.

It got me thinking about the importance of the first sentence. As a writer, you only have a few pages to grab your readers attention. If you can hook them with the first paragraph, or better yet, the first line, it's even better.

Some ideas:
- Show a character in trouble, pulling the reader in for more.
- Use a bold statement that has some shock value to make your reader laugh or worry.
- Start at the moment a story becomes inevitable.
- Start in the last moments of a peaceful world, just before everything falls apart.

If you're having trouble getting started, start with the second paragraph. Just because you have to write the first sentence sometime, doesn't mean you have to write it first. It may even be a good idea to leave the opening line for when the story is done. Then, when you know where the story ends up, you'll know where to start.

Here's a sample of first sentences from the books in my reading pile. After reading them, leave me a comment with the first sentence from your book, or another book that you love.

"Ida Mae Babbitt didn't know what cookie to serve with bad news." Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

"When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold." The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

"It was time to say goodbye.  She could feel it--the inevitable separation had begun." I'll Know You by Heart by Kimberly Job (Yep!  That's me, and I cheated and put the first two sentences.)

"A cool February breeze blew over the desert and swirled around me as my assailant slashed by scarf into strips with his knife."  The Sharp Edge of a Knife by D.N. Giles

"Muffled voices outside my door that October morning woke me and took me from a peaceful place to one I'd come to hate."  Far from You by Lisa Schroeder

"My breath came faster as I stared ito the shoebox sitting on the counter at my antiques box."  Imprints by Rachel Ann Nunes

"Today it finally hit me:  I have worn nothing but jammies for an entire year." Gravity vs. the Girl by Riley Noehren

Aren't those great?  They all make me want to know more.  Now, leave me a comment with your first sentences.  I really want to read them.  I'll pick my favorites and post them here on my blog.

Writing Tips!

I love writer's blogs! I learn so many great tips on all aspects of writing. My friend, Stina at Seeing Creative had a link to this video on her blog.

The video originally came from Becca Fitzpatrick, YA author of Hush, Hush.

Watch it and see how many authors you can name.

Time in the Sun

My book release is getting closer and closer.  I'm honestly not sure what to expect.  I've been busy with promotion, while still trying to keep up with my writing.  I've just about got my next book done, and I'm feeling pressured to get it turned into my publisher.  I struggle to keep up with my blog and all the other blogs I follow, as well as facebook, and trying to figure out twitter.

I didn't realize how much work it is being a published author.  I'm seriously the kind of writer who feels most comfortable hiding behind my laptop.  But I'm realizing I can't do that.  I recently heard a poem that explains how I  feel.

Independence

I would stay here
Close to roots
That fed me
Close to
Cool shelter--

Always close
I would be.

Except,
I'm afraid.

Have you seen
The pitiful
Small green
That grows
In shade?

From Beginnings and Beyond by Carol Lynn Pearson

 Shortly after discovering this poem, I received a note from one of my good friends on facebook:

My friend,

You are about to experience your place in the sun. Nobody deserves it more. Look at all the well wishes you are getting about your book. Wait till they read it. Your star will rise, and I will be here to enjoy the light and watch you shine. Congrats and enjoy. I knew you could do it, and you knew it too. 

I'm getting the message that it's time to come out of the shade.  It might feel safe, but staying safe limits personal growth.  I know an amazing chance at growth stands before me.  Pass the sunscreen.  I don't wanna get burned.      

I Did It!!

Well, it's done. I finally submitted my first manuscript today. It's scary and exciting all at the same time. I know on my blog it said my goal was to submit in September, but December is kinda close, isn't it?

The manuscript was short about 5,000 words and I struggled to add them. But I think the additions make the story stronger overall, and I'm glad they are there. I also ended up rewriting the first chapter. It originally included a lot of telling, so I revised it to show a dramatic scene rather than tell it. I hope it's enough to make an editor want to read past the first page.

The submission process was rather involved. I spent many hours slaving over the items required. Thanks to Josi Kilpack for her amazing advice on writing a synopsis. I used the information she presented at the 2008 LDStorymakers conference as well as a blog she posted at Writing on the Wall.

So, cross your fingers for me! I'm sure the waiting will kill me. I'm hoping submitting during the holidays won't slow down the process, but it likely will. Thanks to all of my writing friends for your help and especially my amazing critique group!

Here's a little blurb about the book to hopefully get you all excited about reading it:

Stephanie Roberts didn’t realize the day she met Jared Wakefield they had met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, she turns to Jared for support, not realizing he might need more from her than she was capable of giving. With an abusive husband and their own insecurities standing in the way, the difficulties they need to overcome to be together seem insurmountable.

When Stephanie walked out on her husband, she vowed to never look back, but as she begins to rethink her decision, Jared feels as if his life is spiraling out of control. Will Stephanie realize her mistake before it’s too late? Will Jared recognize she’s the one he’s been looking for all along? And, in the end, is it possible for love to conquer all?

“I’ll Know You by Heart” is a timeless romance. It explores the possibility that relationships can span the entire realm of eternity. It is a story about abuse, hardship, betrayal, and ultimately the power of everlasting, true love.

Happily Ever After

I admit it. I'm a sucker for a good romance. I want the hero and heroine, boy and girl, frog and princess to get together. I knew I was in trouble last week at my critique group when Tristi prefaced her comments about my most recent chapter with something like, "Remember, I love whom I chasteneth." Then she went on to tell me that the romantic scenes I'd written were coming too fast and too soon in the story

I can honestly say I knew this when I was writing it. I'm working on a new book and it's been a struggle. I have a man and woman trapped in a remote mountain cabin for several weeks. I'm trying to come up with ideas of things they can do, or things that can happen during this time. There's only so much you can do in a two-room cabin. Any and all ideas are welcome? (As long as they are clean!) Please send them my way.

It's actually very motivating to receive feedback and suggestions on my writing. I come away from our critique group every week having learned something new and a better writer because of it. We have way too much fun discussing plot holes, scenes that won't quite work, points of view, doctrines of the gospel, and in my case just plain old trying to rush things. (Did that about sum up last week's meeting?) Thanks guys! I'd be lost without you.

Tristi, Heather, Danyelle, Keith, Me, and Nichole

And Tristi, thanks for reminding me that happily ever after doesn't come in the middle of the story!

Stories are Everywhere

Beginning writers often wonder where to get ideas for stories. The first place most writers turn is to their own life experiences. But remember, real-life experiences should only be idea-generators, not the whole story.

Ideas from Pictures

Pictures can stimulate your imagination, leading to great story ideas. Ask yourself questions when looking at photos. What are the people doing? Feeling? What happened before and after? Are they trying to hide something? Don't overlook group shots; look for people in the background who weren't meant to be in the picture. What is their story?

Ideas from News Events

Newspaper headlines are full of story ideas. Without reading the whole article, what does the headline make you think of? The following are headlines taken from the last few issues of the Daily Herald. See if any of them spark an idea.

-AF man celebrates gift of life

-Hundreds flee wildfire in L.A. foothills

-Pit Bull --Ticking time bomb or trusted friend

-Indian tragedies trouble early Springville colonists

-Return to Vietnam

-No remains found in dig for Parley P. Pratt

You can also get ideas from reading the whole story and asking, what if something were different. What if the fire was arson? What if the robber shot the teller? What if the person in a car accident was your babysitter with your children in the car? What if the terrorist were your son-in-law? In these questions the only real news facts are the fire, the robbery, the car accident, and the terrorist. What you do with a fact, and the story it could possibly turn into, is up to you.

Ideas from Observation

You will know you have finally arrived and become a writer when you see a story in everything around you. A backpack left unattended on a playground could be filled with a myriad assortment of things; an abandoned baby, a million dollars, a ticking time-bomb. A person walking quickly down the street could be fleeing a crime scene. A couple hugging could be saying goodbye or reuniting after a long separation.

Observe the people around you. Listen to their conversations. Characterize them in your head and try to figure out their story. The likelihood is that their real story isn't as spectacular as what you will create.

How do you generate story ideas? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Enjoy Yourself

After a week off for Spring Break, my kids are back in school. This means I have more time to write.

I've been thinking a lot about why I enjoy writing. I've decided it's the same reason I like to read. I like the escape it gives me. It allows me to leave my life and problems behind and temporarily be in someone else's.

Something unexpected has happened to me since I started writing. I'm discovering things about myself. Things I don't think I could have discovered any other way. It allows me an emotional outlet for what's inside, and it's helping me grow as a person.

Ultimately, I hope to influence someone through my writing. I hope it will make them want to be better, to do better. I'd like to create something significant to pass on to those I love and care about. But in the meantime, it's helping me learn and grow, and I'm having tons of fun!

Never lose sight of the real reason for writing; sheer enjoyment. Keep in mind that if writing can bring pleasure to you and your readers, you will have made a difference in the world.

The Writer's Oath

I promise solemnly:

1. to write as often and as much as I can,
2. to respect my writing self, and
3. to nurture the writing of others.

I accept these responsibilities and shall honor them always.

Writing Magic - Gail Carson Levine