The first sentance of a book is the most important. Well recently I was horrified to learn that mine was 'clunky'. Does anyone have any ideas on how to (pardon the phrase) 'declunkify' my work? I want to make sure my first sentance flows, its something I've always had trouble with? Can anyone give me any pointers?
'Hale knew, before he had been in Brighton three hours, that they meant to murder him'.
Graham Greene - Brighton Rock.
Many authors have took their inspiration from Greene's dramatic opening line.
'Hale knew, before he had been in Brighton three hours, that they meant to murder him'.
Graham Greene - Brighton Rock.
Many authors have took their inspiration from Greene's dramatic opening line.
Hey Lily,
Thanks for asking such a good question. Seems to have gotten people thinking.
I too agree wholeheartedly with everything Phil mentions above. Victoria's experience seems very relevant, it shows that even though a book may begin witha pared down, to the point opening line, that succinctness belies the effort that has gone into it.