Sunday, November 21, 2010

The Box of Shocks

NEWSFLASH!

The Box of Shocks

That's the tentative title of my new novel due out in 2011 with Orca Books!
Beware of hidden boxes buried in basement floors!
Watch out for dogs that chew on old cars and metal appliances!
Be cautious standing on the edge of bridges!
Never go trick or treating at a pseudo-zombie's house!
Never trust a parrot that doesn't talk!
Never use too many exclamation marks!

Watch for further details!

Monday, November 8, 2010

First Line Triggers

If you want to have some fun, try these first line triggers on for size and see what your mind conjures up.

I knew I was in trouble when . . .


My grandma always told me never to . . .


The last thing in the world I wanted to see was . . .


I should have known that it’s impossible to . . .


I’ll never forget the sight of . . .


It was confusing to see . . .


When I opened the washing machine, I looked in and found . . .


Who would have known that . . .


When I opened my birthday present, I was shocked to see . . .


My life changed with the arrival of . . .


It didn’t turn out to be a very good idea when my friend suggested we . . .


If you come up with some good first sentences, not so good first sentences, or whatever, drop me a line and let me read them.

Open With a Blast


Let's use those jumper cables for the imagination once again, shall we.


Great writing begins at the beginning– with a great opening sentence often referred to as . . .


THE HOOK


In writing a story, sometimes it’s that first spectacular sentence which launches you, as a writer, into the story. In other words, the story flows from the first sentence.


So, what makes a great opening sentence?


There are no rules, but it seems to me, a great opening leaves the reader in a state of curiosity, asking questions like, “What’s going on here?” “Where is this story going?” and so on. The reader’s curiosity has been tweaked, so they feel compelled to read on.


At least, that’s my theory. Stay tuned for some specific suggestions on how to create such mind-blowing opening sentences.