We spend hours on them, sometimes days or even weeks. We wrack our brains and mumble under our breath. We write and rewrite them repeatedly.
Some writers feel the opening line is the hardest part of any story. I agree; it's one of the most challenging sentences we'll craft.
Why is that?
Because we know it's the first thing readers will see. If it falls flat, they'll move on to the next author. If it hooks them, maybe they'll read another sentence, then another. Before they know it, they're three chapters in.
Here's the opening line from my novel, Chloe: A Novel of Secrets and Lies.
There it was again. The nightmare. Creeping up, invading.
That's from the prologue, and while it looks simple now, it went through many revisions. Hopefully, it accomplishes the one job every first line should do—make readers curious about what happens next.
The best opening lines create questions in the reader's mind. They hint at tension, establish voice, and arouse curiosity. They don't have to be fancy or poetic—although that’s fine, too—they just need to work.
What's the first line of your most recent story or work-in-progress? Or perhaps you’d like to come up with one now. How difficult was it for you to write? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
In case you missed it, here’s a peek at everything that appeared on Behind the Chapters in May.
"It’s our Friday night ritual. Not landing on Park Place but a family dinner—pot roast and vegetables from Mom’s garden; then, some kind of game, television on in the background so Dad can hear the weather report."
I make no promise it will remain as is.