I remember when “Once Upon a Time” lured me into stories where I could be guaranteed a handsome prince, a few elves, and maybe a unicorn. These words promised an adventure and hours of enjoyment.
I still read the beginning of books that I consider buying and it’s those opening words that either capture my interest or don’t. I thought it might be interesting to see what kinds of openings grab people.
So, here’s a challenge. Once a month (this is not a contract, but a goal) I’ll post a story type: Young Adult Adventure or Romance or Fantasy. And then I’ll write an opening (no more than one sentence, but it doesn’t have to be a sentence).
I’d love to see what kinds of other opening lines you’ll contribute. Hey, maybe I’ll think of a prize for the BEST STORY OPENING–one I won’t be eligible to win.
So how about this month we play with that YA Adventure story? Here’s how my story would start.
I’ve kept the secret for almost three months, but I have to tell someone soon because I’ve only got another week before it’ll be too late.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ve contacted everyone who left a way for me to do so.
Thanks for entries. I had to call in a third judge to make the call. You an read her comment in the Opening Lines–Winner!!!post.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Now what are my judges going say about this? Can this be another great Wendy story in the making?
Wendy says
Karly knew it was too late to cancel the Brownie picnic even though there was a chance someone might spot Mr. Healey’s chopped off head bobbing up and down on the water.
JoanneJ says
Okay. This is rough and stretching the rules, but here’s my try.
Summer plodded to its end while time raced toward the start of school. It was a paradox–a word I know well, since I am one myself.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m sending these over to the judges, guys! Thanks for entering.
Mike Boyd says
The next time someone wants me to keep a secret, I’ll do something easy instead–like baptize a cat.
goldchevy says
Here’s mine from my WIP. I feel like I have rewritten my first page at least a hundred times. Oh wait, I have rewritten my first page over a hundred times. Thanks for having this contest.
Once again Tyler Lucas locked his eyes on his intended target.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good grief! How am I going to choose from these super openings? I may have to consult with some more YA Adventure readers.
Joyce Lansky says
Here’s mine–
The smell of rubbing alcohol wafted through the nurse’s office. Too bad it wasn’t the other kind after the day I’d had.
Rhonda Stapleton says
good opening line! gotta think on this… 😀
Kelly says
That does sound like an interesting first line!
Anonymous says
When I snapped its arm off at the elbow, I almost apologized, forgetting for a second it was only a manikin.
juliakarr says
Everything started the day Nifron died.
debmarshall says
Dead was not how I’d planned to start the weekend, but when you piss off a vampire, it can happen.
This is going to be fun!