Hi everybody
I am writing a short-story (horror, mystery) for one week now, I've finished it yesterday
But... I still have a problem, because I've tried two different beginnings
The first one is basic, you can't say nothing special about it, but fits well to the story (a kind of "I have a strange story to tell you")
The second one starts with a quote from a filmmaker, is more original, with some wit (since I'm quoting Woody Allen)
So, do you think it is right to begin a strange story by quoting a person who's more known for his humor, and which universe is diametrically opposite to this kind of story ?
Conformism or originality ?
Thank you, I'll go for it )
I'd say go for it :) It has relevance & immediately conjures the character in the readers mind. I dont think it will clash with the later gloominess, it sets the reader up for that.
I would also point out that leading with quotes is not that uncommon in fiction. Recently read 'The End of Mr Y' & 'PopCo' by Scarlet Thomas both of which use quotes and are excellent.
I love this .."I am not afraid of death, I just don't want to be there when it happens." look forward to reading more.