THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

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Authors and Their Books > Which Opening is Better?

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message 1: by Bryan (new)

Bryan | 65 comments Hey everyone. I just finished the first draft of my new novel! I'm going to begin the rigorous task of rewrites tomorrow, and have been contemplating a change in the opening chapter. What I'd like to know from everyone here is which opening line do you like better?

1) "Too small to be considered a city, too large to be considered a hamlet, the land of Heather was somewhere between a town and a village."

2) "Zoe met Kayla by accident on the bridge overlooking Lovers Pond."

Any suggestions or critiques will be helpful and greatly appreciated.


message 2: by Anne (new)

Anne (spartandax) | 104 comments Me too, #1.


message 3: by Marc (new)

Marc (authorguy) | 54 comments #2. Start with action, always.


message 4: by [deleted user] (new)

I think I like #2 better. Gives suggestion of what is to come.


message 5: by Kaye (new)

Kaye Linden (tales-from-mas-watering-hole) | 18 comments "Zoe met Kayla by accident on the bridge overlooking Lovers Pond."

Eliminate "by accident" as it is a cliche and you're telling us. Show us how after this opening.
"Zoe ran over Kayla on the Lovers Pond bridge."
You get the drift......... kaye


message 6: by Helena (last edited Sep 10, 2013 07:45AM) (new)

Helena Schrader | 104 comments Definitely prefer #2 -- including "by accident" as otherwise it suggests a tryst. An accidental meeting on the Lovers Pond bridge is instantly more intriguing. #1 doesn't interest me at all. I wouldn't continue reading, so you see, you can't please us all!


message 7: by Jane (new)

Jane | 121 comments I like #2. Gives a little hint of what may coming.


message 8: by Bryan (new)

Bryan | 65 comments Thank you everyone for your picks and suggestions. Looks as if the majority prefers #2, which is good, since that one is the one I was leaning toward as well.

I appreciate your help.


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