Hook, Line, & Sinker: Mastering the Perfect Opening Sentence
Happy Monday, friends!
Let's talk about opening lines. I know, I know. Honestly, these can be the hardest part of writing your book. How the heck do you kick off your book in an interesting way that gets people to buy it and keep reading? And in ONE sentence?
The pressure you put on yourself is more than your audience actually cares. There, lesson done.
I'm kidding. But seriously. I guarantee you're making it harder than it needs to be. Readers aren't paying that close attention to the first line specifically. HOWEVER, if you want them to buy your book or keep reading it, that first line really does help. So let's break down some tactics for crafting a killer line.
The Power of a Strong First Line
First, let's talk about the power of that first line. I know I just said your readers aren't paying that close attention. But that just means they're not consciously doing so. A compelling first sentence does at least one (or more) of the following:
Creates curiosity – It hints at something intriguing or unexpected.
Establishes tone and voice – It immediately immerses the reader in the story’s mood and perspective.
Introduces a question – It makes the reader wonder what’s happening and why.
Throws the reader into the action – It starts with something dynamic or urgent.
While your readers aren't thinking "This book better have a cool first line, or I'm not reading it!" they are thinking "I wonder what this book is about. I hope it seems interesting."
Famous First Lines and Why They Work
Let’s take a look at a few iconic opening lines and break down why they’re so effective.
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” – 1984 by George Orwell
This line is a little unsettling, isn't it? The unusual phrasing and mention of ‘thirteen o’clock’ signals subtly that something is off in this world.
“Call me Ishmael.” – Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Everyone knows this one. But why, though? It's simple but intriguing. Who the heck is Ishmael? And why should we call him that? Does that mean it's not his name? This poses instant questions to the reader, which encourages them to keep reading to find out more. Simple, but effective.
“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” – The Gunslinger by Stephen King
This one gives you immediate action and mystery. Who are these characters? Why is one chasing the other?
How to Craft Your Own Killer Opening Line
That's great, Katrina. But how do I do that myself? Here are a few helpful strategies.
Start with a strong image – Be descriptive or include unusual imagery. This can pull readers in immediately.
Example: “The moon hung low, bleeding red into the sea.”
Introduce a compelling character thought or statement – Dialogue or internal monologue can create immediate interest. This tactic can give the reader a ton of information about the narrator or protagonist instantly. And urges them to ask questions where they'll need to read and find out!
Example: “I never meant to burn down the library.”
Set up an intriguing situation – Readers love a mystery or conflict right away.
Example: “There were three rules in our house, and I broke them all before breakfast.”
Challenge expectations – Start with something that contradicts what we assume. Contradiction like this throws intrigue at the reader and they'll feel compelled to keep going.
Example: “She died on a Tuesday, and on Wednesday, she knocked on my door.”
I hope this helps! And I'd love to hear your opening lines or even your favorite opening lines.