F. M. Meredith
The purpose of this blog is for me to analyze the first two pages of a previous book–and I chose an earlier book in the Rocky Bluff P.D. series: Murder in the Worst Degree.
I chose it because it has one of my best first lines:
Except for the dead body washed up on the sand, conditions were perfect for surfing.
I am so grateful to be a guest on this blog–the analyzing of the first two pages was a challenging exercise.
Murder n the Worst Degree is my favorite in the series–in part because of the first line. It’s one of my all-time favorites.
Excellent post, Marilyn, and you sure got my attention. Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate how difficult it is to get the hook right. I write children’s picture books and we don’t even have the luxury of 2 pages. We usually only have the 1st line. Our stories aren’t as descriptive, having a lot of the details illustrated, not written, but we experience the same intent, capture the reader and make them want to continue. thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Lorna. I kind of like Murder in the Worst Degree too.
Marja, I really had to work at this one.
Hi, Lynda, excellent comments.
You’re right about that being a great first line, Marilyn. The way you broke down the two pages, explaining how and why you did things is a fabulous lesson for new and aspiring writers. Thanks for this unique glimpse into your writing process.
Thanks, Michael. I’ve never done that before. It was a challenge.
What a great post, Marilyn. The opening of a story is the most important part of the story because it’s what either catches or loses the readers. I have an entire unit on story openings (Brilliant Beginnings) in volume 6 of my Writ It Right series, just so writers can hone that opening to the nth degree… and it seems you did it to the “best” degree in your “Worst Degree” murder story. Great opening line with enticing action and characters that follow. (Of course, Murder in the Worst Degree is one of my favorites!) Here’s the first line of a YA paranormal book I’m working on: “Relationships with dead people are entirely one-sided.” That one just tickles my funny bone… LOL
I love your first line, Susan. That’s perfect. I don’t always come up with the perfect one, but strive for it.
As you said Marilyn the very beginning has to catch the reader’s interest and make them want more. It was a great setting and I could picture it in my mind as well as the two surfers.
Marilyn, that was a great first line! Thanks, BK, for providing this format.