Such an interesting post, thank you for this. It truly helps to get an idea of what matters when it comes to first lines for that genre. -From a poet and aspiring contemporary fantasy romance writer :)
Yeah! It's one of the most useful skills you can develop, IMO. I once did a comparative study of plot structures in urban fantasy/mystery novels. Fascinating what you learn
You Deserve Each Other and Only When It’s Us are definitely now on my radar thanks to their first lines listed here. I love a good, gripping starter but considering most of these haven’t really stirred anything in me I’d wager readers give a fair more leeway than we consider.
Oh thanks for sharing. I’m sure readers do read on beyond the first line… but the fact that you’re interested in a book, or two, after the very first line is exactly what that author was going for…
All we can do, as writers, is try to make the starting as best as we can.
I mean books aren’t usually being pitched to readers using the first line,no? First exposure is usually after you’ve already decided to give it a try and in that case a single sentence isn’t making or breaking anything. It does definitely give that instant feeling of ‘okay, I might be in good hands’ which is ideal but mainly I was speaking to giving readers more credit re:attention span. I think this thought can sometimes lead to try hard attempts at being gripping that come off cringey. And that’s worse than being bland.
I have read first lines for books anywhere from “too much” to “being just another day” , and I believe it needs to strike the right balance and fit with the story.
I always read at least until the first ten pages or so before I decide I like to read on or not. But when the beginning is good, either something with character or the theme or the inciting plot, it just makes the story better, and I definitely read more, because I want to know what happens.
I love the Ex Hex because it's funny and the one about the sister's funeral being boring beause it arouses curiosity. But lots of good ones here. I love reading first lines! Thanks for these.
Such an interesting post, thank you for this. It truly helps to get an idea of what matters when it comes to first lines for that genre. -From a poet and aspiring contemporary fantasy romance writer :)
Thanks so much Lily. I am glad it was helpful.
This is a really useful exercise. They called this a "Field Recon" at my MFA program but I've never done it for romance. Very useful tool!
Oh wow!!! I had no idea.. I don’t have an MFA… I was just doing research for myself.. it was quite helpful though
Yeah! It's one of the most useful skills you can develop, IMO. I once did a comparative study of plot structures in urban fantasy/mystery novels. Fascinating what you learn
Summer Romance for me! I love Anabel Monaghan’s books so much for their relatability and sharp observations. Can’t wait to read it!
Yes, I couldn’t agree more. Annabel Monaghan’s books are so relatable…
You Deserve Each Other and Only When It’s Us are definitely now on my radar thanks to their first lines listed here. I love a good, gripping starter but considering most of these haven’t really stirred anything in me I’d wager readers give a fair more leeway than we consider.
Oh thanks for sharing. I’m sure readers do read on beyond the first line… but the fact that you’re interested in a book, or two, after the very first line is exactly what that author was going for…
All we can do, as writers, is try to make the starting as best as we can.
I mean books aren’t usually being pitched to readers using the first line,no? First exposure is usually after you’ve already decided to give it a try and in that case a single sentence isn’t making or breaking anything. It does definitely give that instant feeling of ‘okay, I might be in good hands’ which is ideal but mainly I was speaking to giving readers more credit re:attention span. I think this thought can sometimes lead to try hard attempts at being gripping that come off cringey. And that’s worse than being bland.
Yes, of course. Totally agree…
I have read first lines for books anywhere from “too much” to “being just another day” , and I believe it needs to strike the right balance and fit with the story.
I always read at least until the first ten pages or so before I decide I like to read on or not. But when the beginning is good, either something with character or the theme or the inciting plot, it just makes the story better, and I definitely read more, because I want to know what happens.
Yes, yes, I agree. Nailing that curiosity seed can go a long way.
Yes… absolutely… I’m glad you are enjoying my newsletter… so grateful ☺️
I love the Ex Hex because it's funny and the one about the sister's funeral being boring beause it arouses curiosity. But lots of good ones here. I love reading first lines! Thanks for these.
Yay!! I love the first line from Ex Hex, it’s so on point for the story… and the sister’s funeral is from How to End a Love Story… love it…