Help Me Write My First Novel! 5 Different Opening Ideas

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As a book editor, I’ve always been passionate about working with stories… but I never thought I’d be the one writing them. But today, I’m excited (and a little terrified) to share that I’ve started writing my first novel - and I need your help choosing my opening sentence! In today’s video, I’m going over five different tactics for writing the perfect opening sentence and sharing my own attempts at each of them. Let me know which one intrigues you most!
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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / amzn.to/3Z4at03
SOME OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / amzn.to/3CjFFi5
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MORE WRITING AND PUBLISHING ADVICE:
How to Nail Your Novel Opening and Hook Your Reader: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-B7MWOwlHfQA.html
Best Ways to Open Your Novel: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E2d24F2DNw4.html
The Absolute Worst Ways to Start a Novel: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--RQ7RdhnpSo.html
HOW TO START A NOVEL - 5 FIRST SENTENCE TACTICS:
00:54 - Establish a conflict
02:35 - Introduce the protagonist
04:10 - Set up a mystery
05:37 - Describe the setting
06:44 - Make an unexpected statement
ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with nearly a decade of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey-whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
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Опубликовано:

13 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 226

@rad4924 2 дня назад

"Marriage is a delusion" was my favourite of the list. If I saw that as an opener, I'd keep reading.

@KarenBimer 2 дня назад

#4 got me. I'm already there and ready for more. I've used every one of these approaches previously, and #1 got me some flack from editors, saying no one cares about a conflict before they have invested in the characters or the situation, so I no longer use it.

@jeweetzelf1379 2 дня назад

I like number 5 best because it’s so simple and catchy. Also it’s clear right away what the book is going to be about.

@altraviolet00 2 дня назад

Ooh that's really exciting! I hope you enjoy your novel-writing journey! The opening line I enjoyed most was #4. To me, it has a humorous bent. If your story is going to have some measure of levity, I'd go with 4 or 5. If it's going to be 100% serious, #3 has that similar foreboding set up, minus any humor at all. I like #4 the most because right away I know where we are and where we're going. Going for environment first is the approach I use, so I'm a bit biased!

@deeplygazingable 2 дня назад

I like #2 and #5 equally. They could pair well together.

@giovannijacobs4496 День назад

YAY! I'm super sure you can do this. We're all rooting for you.

@waynegrabert6839 2 дня назад

Whichever you go with, there is a good chance that you will rewrite your opening after you complete your first draft or your outline. That was my experience with my debut novel (still unpublished). The first gets the story moving, which is good. The second introduces intrigue, though it may make the protagonist less sympathetic as a snoop. The fifth will hook anyone going through a troubled marriage, or who is recently divorced.

@Starcore600 День назад

That. I've rewritten my opening line more times than I can count.

@The-Secret-Door 2 дня назад

Congratulations! I like the sentence about checking the unread texts. There's so much packed into that - some hint of trouble in the marriage, the character of the narrator, and possibly a theme of a mystery and detective work lying ahead. More than the other openers, this one really raises questions for me and makes me want to know more.

@annworthington7253 2 дня назад

I liked “marriage is a delusion” the best. To me it creates the most intrigue and has a bit of shock value. I also liked the introduction of the protagonist checking someone’s phone every morning before he wakes up. As a reader, you can’t help but be curious and ask why?

@joboyinboxers 2 дня назад

😊bést of it new author

@takishajacobs169 2 дня назад

The 4th and 5th opening lines are my favorite for a thriller. The observation in #4 piques my curiosity and offers a sense of casual foreboding that makes me want more.

@TheEccentricRaven 2 дня назад

I like #5 the most. My opening strategy is to hook the reader and create sympathy for the protagonist from the beginning. "Marriage is a delusion" interests me because I wonder what the narrator experienced to feel that way. I already care a little about the character and want to keep reading. I wish you the best on your writing journey!

@briankilgore8808 2 дня назад

“Marriage is a delusion.” Not only is it a tagline, but it opens the door to further intrigue. “Why is the narrator jaded?” is my thought. Intriguing. Do you remember your video about bad reasons to write a book? I hope you’re not feeling pressured into writing. It’s supposed to be fun, right? If the author isn’t having a good time, then the reader will probably struggle, too. Good luck in your writing journey. It sounds like you’ll be writing a drama of some sort, which is awesome. Drama is the best. “The Godfather,” is a drama. I’m sure you’ll be going for something more lighthearted, however, lol. Might I suggest a fun book? “Can You Keep A Secret?” by Sophie Kinsella. You’ve probably already read it. All of her books are good. They always put a smile on my face.

@Xaglacionn 2 дня назад

My advice Alyssa, check out Alan Watt's 90-day novel and the sequel the 90-day rewrite. Having read a dozen books on approaching novel writing, those were the only ones with practical and precisely relevant advice every step of the way. Regarding opening lines, one thing I learned in those books is that the first line is often the very last one to be rewritten, in light of the entire process. In short, don't feel like you need to capture it perfectly on your first draft. Get the ball rolling and hold every word loosely! Good luck. Thanks for sharing your thinking process!

@michaeltoss8204 2 дня назад

Good luck on your writing journey! My opening line does a few of these all at once. Here's mine. The ghost from David Quinn’s past appeared on the television screen in front of him.

@brandonhughes179 День назад

#5 hits the hardest, I think. Whatever opening you pick, GO FOR IT!!! Write your book, Alyssa. You kinda have to. Do it!!!

@RoxanaLine День назад

Congratulations, Alyssa!! This is very exciting news, and I wish you best of luck with your novel ❤ As for the opening lines, I think I prefer the first and the fifth ones.

@NicoleOnYTube 2 дня назад

Firstly, WELCOME to your novel writing journey!!! Super excited to see you getting out there and working towards something outside your comfort zone! Secondly, I really like the second option with the 'unread texts' I like that it gives us information into the main character's life but also leaves us with questions and leads us to want to know more. I think it does a good job of setting up the relationship between MC and Matt, and we can also infer that they are in some form of committed relationship since it seems like a routine of the MC when you say 'every morning' but also gives us the sense that the MC is wary of something that Matt is doing. You said that it was a mystery book, and I also think this first sentence sets the tone for a mystery-themed book as it posses questions to the reader and gives us a mysterious vibe. Hope this helps, and can't wait for more updates about this journey! I'd love for more videos like this!!!

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Thank you so much for the encouragement and for the thoughtful feedback!

@ZeljanaMiljevic День назад

Yes write the book!!!!! So excited for you!!

@rosemartillano7176 2 дня назад

That was fun, thanks for sharing your process. I like #2 and #4

@danielestaub9445 2 дня назад

Great idea! Audience participation. Looking forward to following this novel-in-progress. 👍

@kutluer 2 дня назад

The 5th presents many possible pathways to dive into.

@BbGun-lw5vi 2 дня назад

I like #5, followed by #2. I am very excited to see you write a novel and apply everything you learned. Just remember to have fun and be careful not to overthink it.

@j.gillette5411 2 дня назад

Line 5 flows really well into Line 2: "Marriage is a delusion. Every morning before Matt wakes up, I check his phone to see how many unread texts he has." These two lines work together to paint the protagonist and her views all the more vividly.

@sebastianashbury2478 15 часов назад

I vote #4 and #5; especially #5. Just grabs me, and feels so relatable to a lot of people. #4 casts a nice mystery - especially if paired with #5 in some way to indicate there's a romantic conflict and a possible murder mystery.

@hmm6411 2 дня назад

I vote for #2. It gives the reader from the outset an insight into both characters that depending on the reasons will reveal the priorities of the characters as well as the reader. Happy writing!

@Awesome_Force 2 дня назад

I think the second and last options are both good opening lines. I usually like to begin with dialogue that reveals something about my protagonist or with an action scene. For the book I am working on now that I hope will be my debut book I begin with dialogue that reveals that my protagonist is into kickboxing/martial arts. I just hope I don't get distracted by other things and actually finish this one before I lose motivation and forget some of the story I intend to write. In the past I did a full chapter by chapter outline for stories I wanted to write, but since I already knew what would happen I tended to get bored and not finish. This time I only planned two main characters, the beginning of the story, setting, and a few events. It isn't totally being a pantser or a planner, so I guess it is more of a plantser this time? IDK. I just want to try to enjoy the process and stay enthusiastic this time to see if I can actually finish for once.

@michaelparnell4944 2 дня назад

I like the resort sentence. You mentioned that it's the resort "we're in," so I assume the character will be there when she thinks/narrates this sentence, so consider opening with "Our resort" or "My resort" instead of "The resort." Then again, I'm often accused of overthinking . . . 😏 I think you should pick one of your ideas and run with it. You have insider knowledge and experience, but . . . as with many things, writing is easy to talk about, but hard to do, and if you do it, it will round out what I view as your strong coaching assets: knowledge, presentation, personality, humility, and sincerity. Writing a novel can only enhance your credibility. Good luck! 😀

@tiffy_loves 2 дня назад

#1 is definitely my favorite. #2 is my second favorite!

@zivmontenegro8303 2 дня назад

I used the metaphor of the forest having claws----inspired by you! If you're going to publish your books, I'd be the first to buy!!! Thank you for every help you've taught me since you started during the pandemic; the same era I started writing my stories! Keep up the good work!

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement! I’m so happy to hear my content has been helpful to you. Wishing you all the best with your writing endeavors!

@kenneth1767 2 дня назад

I found the real opening reveals itself in getting the end of the story. But we need to start somewhere. Writing into the dark is the thrill.

@nicholasbrady3185 День назад

Hi Alyssa!! So glad to hear about you starting your novel! I loved the last opening line you used, "Marriage is a delusion". The opening strategy I'm using for my contemporary YA thriller novel is setting up a mystery. The opening line is "It wasn't at all like him to spend so much time plotting a murder".

@nealabbott6520 День назад

of all the truly great novels with wonderful first lines, and you went with these

@robertlamont4749 День назад

It is your story. Fear not. We will love it. Write on!

@soccerguy325 День назад

Hot take - I think #2 might be the best; it contains so many techniques all in one. Not only does it introduce the protagonist, but it may even do a better job of establishing a conflict (no healthy relationship involves one person spying on their partner's phone), and a bit of a mystery (what are they finding in these texts?) We KNOW they will find something unexpected and compelling, perhaps even as an inciting incident. This line arguably already helps to establish a plot and drive it forward. And I am very interested to read on. That being said, "Marriage is a delusion" is also very good and intriguing - IF you can keep it up (i.e. go on to properly explain how). Tall order. But I have high hopes for you Alyssa!

@natalieg8457 2 дня назад

#4 is the most intriguing, and, if you're writing a murder mystery, also the most genre-fitting.

@InvestigatingDavidCrowley 2 дня назад

"Marriage is a delusion" is the one that grabbed me right away. The runner-up is, "Matt is on hold with Delta to push out our flight home by two days, and all I can think about is the dog."

@brindlebucker4741 2 дня назад

The one about checking the texts. And the thing is, you could go on from that point to use one of the other sentences. For example, the one about the resort boasting the fewest deaths could follow up in a paragraph or two. She's checking his texts at the resort, and you still introduce your intrigue about why there would be deaths at a resort as well.

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Great thoughts!

@Weicho1 2 дня назад

I think 2 is your strongest. Welcome to the beginning of your journey! I wish you great success! The 15th of this month marks one year working on my first novel. 143,000 words, and I've finished the first draft, now on my first rounds of edits. The first line: To my father's land or to my mother's, east or west? Can't wait to hear about your progress!

@thatmoonshalo День назад

So i will say that i like all of these openings. They all make me want to know how it will be resolved. I feel both #1 and #2 are to my taste because i like getting an understanding of my characters. But the question is, will your story focus on going indept into who the MCs are and how they overcome the events. Or will the story focus more on events and them witnessing it together. If the story is character development driven, i say #2. If it is more narrative driven, #4 or #1.

@CountryBwoy 2 дня назад

Pretty cool video! You just randomly popped up in my recs. I often think of/about opening lines. This is more food for thought. I've got a few openings that have rattled around in my head for a few years, now. I tend to like setting up the scene/location/ or world. (I'm not actively writing per sé but I do think about it all the time. LOL)

@pedropinto7133 День назад

I'm on the second rough draft of my first novel. Best wishes!

@VampiriaOddiss 2 дня назад

I was instantly intrigued by the fourth one! So clever and I just want to dive right in to know more

@kofimclaughlin 2 дня назад

Go Alyssa 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

@webbsamples 2 дня назад

I like #4 the best.

@michaelgarcia2973 2 дня назад

I like #5 for the opening sentences.

@crystalrosenberger4221 2 дня назад

#2 peaks my interest the most. It makes me curious about your main character, Matt, and what is happening with their relationship. Happy Writing!

@littlesongbird7904 День назад

I really like the third and fourth one! Second one is really interesting too. Overall, the novel sounds for now great! I wish you a lot of inspiration and fun while writing!

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Thank you so much!

@KristaHarrisSB 2 дня назад

I like #1, but it really depends on the story. I also like #5, but it feels like that takes off in a very different direction. This was a really interesting video. Please do more of these types of things!

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

So glad you enjoyed it - thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@Jus-X 2 дня назад

I really like " The resort boasts the most gourmet on-Mountain cuisine in the alps and the fewest deaths per year." I'm a fan of mystery, and to start a story off like that gives it that punchy hook, IMO. Also, welcome to the journey, and best of luck!!!

@arnoldfossman1701 2 дня назад

The deaths comment could be that the resort has a better safety record than other resorts. In the mountains there is a risk that a person could fall, or be covered with snow in an avalanche.

@TysonVaughan 2 дня назад

Those are all pretty good, and obviously which is best will depend on the following lines and pages. My favorite was no. 4. It does the most work: it sets the scene as well as the mood, and it’s a microcosm of a story with a twist at the end. That twist grabbed my attention the most of all the examples. But, I could also see “marriage is a delusion” working really well if that is going to be a theme explored (and maybe interrogated) throughout the novel. So, I think the best opening line will really depend on the shape of the rest of the story.

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

These are great points. Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback!

@MoniqueNelson 2 дня назад

I'm torn between 1 and 2 - both give me so much intrigue about the protagonist - thinking about the dog is so relatable but checking on texts is sneaky, sneaky and I want to know more about this sneaky sneaky person!

@LifewithMar 2 дня назад

2 and 5. Though 2 gives more insight into the character and I want to know what’s going on.

@taurusstarchild5109 День назад

Hey,😎 Loved the ideas for novels! I like novels where they use a lot of visual references and cues first thing so I would be absorbed by a novel that started out as first person with setting and thoughts of the main character. That being said, I think the one where the protagonist is thinking and going about routines in daily life would be a good one for setting in the story which leads itself to more visual and actions later in story....😊 I have written some sci Fi books and am in the process of getting them on Kindle

@rebeccadear9190 11 часов назад

Thank you so much this was very helpful!

@omarbonafoux 20 часов назад

One good advice I've heard is don't worry about the first lines in the first draft. Yes establish conflict but how you write the opening will more than likely change during the 1st draft, or in the second draft.

@thatmoonshalo 2 дня назад

Is it bad that I am so invested in figuring out your book just from the info from these opening lines. I have a touch of the tism; so I don't know if my opinion will be helpful.

@thatmoonshalo 2 дня назад

I'm a Matt, and I feel like I would also take care of our flight details before making plans for who will keep our dog for the 2 extra days. It's the most reasonable order to do it. what if I need 3 days

@KamranShikh-sp2iv 2 дня назад

really liked this video

@Tygertyger8008 17 часов назад

The resort in the Alps is easily the strongest opening of this lot -- that mood whiplash is a strong draw. One of the opening lines I'm most proud of introduced the protagonist in an interesting way: "Today I am a dinosaur."

@brandonhughes179 День назад

My favorite opening line ever is from Steven King's first Dark Tower book: "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed." It's simple, but it lets you know already that stuff's going down; it's evocative and draws you in. Love it

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Sometimes simple is the most effective! Thank you for sharing 😊

@ShivdeepSingh-x8w 2 дня назад

this format really suits me

@garrett6064 2 дня назад

Not about the Titanic?? Here are my thoughts. "Matt on hold with Delta..." it's too minor of a conflict to really suck ya in. "Every morning before Matt wakes..." I like this, shows deceit, mistrust. For a reason? Or delusional? "Our complimentary bottle..." Does not suck me in, not dramatic enough. "The resort boasts the most gourmet on-mountain cuisine in the Alps and the fewest death's per year." This has great potential but is a little wordy. What about "The resort boasts gourmet cuisine and the fewest death's on the mountain." I would also consider changing "The resort" to "Our resort" if that's appropriate, it places them at the location, builds a little more tension that they are at a resort that boasts of a lack of deaths. "Marriage is a delusion." If this is written in 1st person, I think the word should be "illusion", as a person doesn't see themselves as delusional. On the other hand, "delusion" is a much more dramatic word and the reader doesn't know its 1st person yet and by the time they do, this dramatic escalation would be out of mind.

@a.studios9930 2 дня назад

#1, #2, and #3 are the best. I like #3 the most because you can tell it's the smallest taste to a bigger mystery thriller.

@LaloMacKenzie 2 дня назад

"Marriage is a delusion." Is by far the strongest in my opinion! I think the champagne line could benefit from punching up "gone" to vanished or disappeared. If it's meant to be a mystery where it went. Currently it reads like they simply drank it all. In the first line I think the brand name of "Delta" is distracting and the situation described seems a bit too mundane. And the second to last line about the Alps does have a compelling edge for sure! Just some thoughts! Good luck!😊

@EddieCaplan День назад

Without knowing what the rest of your novel will be, it's hard to pick which opening line is best for you. But given that restriction, #2 worked best for me. I'm immediately thrown into the protagonist's personality and psychology. I'm interested in what she's going to do to propel the novel.

@Duduca17 2 дня назад

#4 is my favorite hands down

@krisnelson2653 2 дня назад

My advice is follow your heart and write what excites you personally. You already have the technical knowledge

@andrewfallman7542 2 дня назад

I think these are all effective openings. The real determining factor would be what you want the opening scene to be. Many of these lines sound like they're from different times of day, so whichever sets up your most intriguing or conflict driven scene should probably be the deciding factor.

@arzumardalieva3874 Час назад

The 5th! Good luck 🍀

@walterrlong 2 дня назад

4 (sets up murder mystery), 5 (though makes me feel I'm about to read a bunch of griping), 2 (though "While Matt sleeps, I always check his unread texts" might be snappier), 1 (will grab dog lovers), then 3 (the champaign is gone because it's in our bellies)

@larssjostrom6565 2 дня назад

The second opening gives insights into the main character's flaws which makes her more interesting, and interesting character's are the first thing that we want to read. The fourth is good at establishing suspense, but I would use it for a third-person story. I try to establish something about the main character when I begin a story.

@JohnDickerman 2 дня назад

Each of these has possibilities, but they set very different moods. I would try drafting an opening page (or better yet, chapter) from each one to see which leads to where you want to go.

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Great idea - thank you!

@carriemason3728 2 дня назад

For me, it's #4. This is intriguing. You can literally go anywhere with this one. Tag on #1 or #2 as well. That first line, though, as #4, would get me very curious as to where this would be going.

@BrandonRossi-z7f 2 дня назад

Opening lines depend on the genre. I prefer fantasy (example: Warbreaker) and historical fiction (example: Shōgun). My first novel, which is currently in the editing phase but will soon be ready for querying, starts with a setting description: The sun rose over the blackened sky of Norsla. It is a fantasy, and I think starting with a setting description is great for that specific genre. Additionally, action occurs immediately, and the first chapter has some of the most action in all of the novel (there is a lot). I am by no means a professional (am hoping I can get this book published, but it was very rough and is fortunately getting better), but I know what I like reading, and I write that. Returning to my initial point, I think you should immediately decide on your genre and, if necessary, sub genre. With my novel, I know it is a fantasy (with a plot similar to those of works like Lord of the Rings), and has intense, violent action. I need to make sure the first chapter emphasizes those aspects of it. It is also incredibly dark and brutal, pushing the violence boundaries in some cases. This should be evident so the reader doesn’t put the book down halfway through due to the content. It is always important people know what they are getting themselves into. My editor has done a lot of work for me (without her, this process would be impossible), yet she even disliked a few of the scenes (specifically one where a child is killed). Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with your novel, and hope to see it on the shelves in a bookstore one day. I have this odd habit of creating a novel’s title before writing it, and it usually works out. I don’t know if that may be something that would work for you, but I would suggest trying it out. There is a benefit to doing that, since you can then write the story to make the title fit as opposed to making a title to fit the story.

@authorsmjohnson День назад

#4 pulls me in. In my own WIP I use #1

@LaloMacKenzie 2 дня назад

May I ask what inspired you to pursue editing from the outset? Most editors I come across express that they started as a Creative Writing or Literature major. Or if not college educated, a ~massive~ reader either way. And then they pursue their own writing projects. But along the way, perhaps in critique partnering or workshops, they realize they have a talent for editing. Maybe far more than as a writer.

@ellennewth6305 2 дня назад

I vote for "The resort boasts the most gourmet on-mountain cuisine ..." Great incongruous opening - good health vs. death. I immediately dislike the sneaky protagonist who's checking Matt's phone and "Marriage is delusional" doesn't work for me. MOST marriages are delusional on some level. What's unique about this one? The first line of my novel is: "The plan was to explore the swamp at the east end of the cove where we could catch some frogs and turtles." "The plan" is what's SUPPOSED to happen (it doesn't!) The place is a "swamp at the end of a cove." A cove is usually on a lake. And who generally catches frogs and turtles? Kids! So we know our protagonists are probably kids, on a lake, planning an adventure.

@black_poppy 2 дня назад

I was struggling with y first draft a lot, but then I stumbled upon Regnum Umbrae music and it changed the situation completely. The dam was broken, and my the draft was done in a few days. And I vote for the line with a dog.

@walteroakley9115 2 дня назад

Depends on the type of story that you are looking to tell. I would lean either towards #4 or #5. However, in my first novel (currently with an editor) I used the "introduce the protagonist" strategy. For the sequel (which is with beta-readers now), I started straight up with a fight... the protagonist is fighting A DRAGON tee hee. Honestly, I would suggest just sitting there with pen to paper or fingers to keyboard... and see what first like comes out, then move on to the next line and the next. If you over-think... you can end up becoming your own worst enemy. I wish you nothing but success with your first novel :)

@markunger1098 2 дня назад

I think starting with the marriage is a delusion line and immediately follow it with the checking Matt’s phone one. There’s almost an inciting incident there and certainly conflict. Matt’s not trusted and the marriage is in jeopardy. Whatever you decide, good luck with your project!😊

@johnbrennick8738 2 дня назад

and all five for somewhere in the first chapter! pasted from above: HOW TO START A NOVEL - 5 FIRST SENTENCE TACTICS: 00:54 - Establish a conflict 02:35 - Introduce the protagonist 04:10 - Set up a mystery 05:37 - Describe the setting 06:44 - Make an unexpected statement

@fpassow1 2 дня назад

3 works for me. It's going somewhere. I like 4 because I like that kind of humor. 1 was kind of a slog to get through. 2 is very interesting. But maybe "to count the unread texts". 5 feels like the start of a classic novel but sets high expectations for the next few lines.

@gib6099 2 дня назад

They all have. merit, but I think they all need tweaking to make them zing. My favorite of these five was the text messages. I like the Blockbuster Code’s research showing a lot of best-sellers have opening lines that have conflict and a relationship. Each opener you posted could be tweaked in those respects. for example, “Two hours after checking his unread text messages like I always do, I woke Matt to explain why Sheila was still in his contacts.” Or “If marriage is a delusion, mine ended when Matt called Delta to change our flight instead of the vet after the mailman incident.” All your opening lines were intriguing and I’m curious what genre it will fall into. If you’ve finished a draft, rewriting the first lines will be easier!

@The-Secret-Door 2 дня назад

After opener #2, runner up would be #4 about the resort and the fewest deaths. Intriguing!

@jasonmd1420 2 дня назад

What I think is most interesting is how different lines feel like different novels. If I hd to ranked I'd go as follows (please keep in mind I am just another failed writer so maybe I don't know best). 5 - Our complimentary bottle of champagne is gone - I'd say the problem here is with 'gone' being vague. IF I see it as gone = 'it has been finished' then I'm not that curious. Maybe 'never arrived' is better than gone. 4 - 'Matt is on hold with Delta...' - maybe a small thing but I couldn't tell if pushing the flight 2 days forward or back. But I am not a native speaker and learned British English so maybe that's why. This line is solid. 3 - 'Marriage is a delusion'. - I'd say a very good line but doesn't fit my personal tastes (the other comments here like it best so what do I know!). The only risk with this sort of line it sometimes they can feel like they are trying too hard to stand out. 2 - 'Every morning before Matt woke up..' - Into the narrative in an instant, makes me ask questions. I think it's a great line for a Romance novel or a novel about relationships - but you did say it is suspense which is why I put it at number 2 1- 'The resort boasts...' - I thought this was exceptional. You started the sentence and I fully thought I knew what was you were going to say and the BAM! I love this line and think it fits thriller/suspense really well. It is less about the marriage, but I guess you need to decide what your novel is going to be about. Anyway, that is to be decided after the first draft is over! Well done on sharing these firsts attempts - I am never brave enough to do that and need to rewrite six or seven times before anyone sees what I write. A personal favourite first line of mine is from This Side of Paradise by Fitzgerald: 'Amery Blaine had inherited from his mother every single character trait, except the scarce few that made him worthwhile.' I feel I basically know everything about these two characters already and I want to read the novel just to have my impressions confirmed!

@curtisjones6162 2 дня назад

I like the fourth one, I’m assuming this is ski resort, but maybe there are more sinister threats than icy slopes. My unpublished novel, Sam Sawyer, begins with this question. “ What are you?” Sam Sawyer’s mother asked when she looked down into his white wicker bassinet.

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Intriguing! Thank you so much for sharing!

@therealkamyab 2 дня назад

The opening line depends on the genre and the main focus of the story. Sometimes the story is about a city, so you describe it, sometimes it's a character or an event. That's why i think you should leave it for the last, after you wrote the story.

@chrismcmurry8508 2 дня назад

I very much agree. The first sentence doesn't matter much until you have a real grasp on what you're writing. It's just a literary exercise.

@susancarpenter1692 2 дня назад

I preferred number 3: it is short and snappy. A great platform from which to dive into a story. My first line is currently "I blame the vulture for making me stop that particular Saturday morning."

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

What a compelling first line! Thank you so much for sharing 😊

@tinahoffman6073 День назад

"Marriage is a delusion" reminds me of a line from Liane Moriarty's "The Husband's Secret." "Marriage is a form of insanity; love hovering permanently on the edge of aggravation." I love that line.

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Oh, I love that too - thank you so much for sharing!

@nettorak 2 дня назад

Opening 2 if you want to appeal to mainly women. Opening 4 if you want to appeal to all genders. It's so difficult to write and edit your own texts, right?! I get so many ideas how to optimize another story, address plot holes and whatnot, but if I sit in front of my own manuscript, my brain immediately narrows down. I hope to one day find a trustworthy(!) writing buddy so we can help each other out with that.

@thatguyfromcetialphaV День назад

I'm looking forward to anything you write Alyssa. The opening to Casino Royale draws you in well. 'The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. Then the soul-erosion produced by high gambling - a compost of greed and fear and nervous tension - becomes unbearable and the senses awake and revolt from it.'

@AlyssaMatesic День назад

Thank you so much! And what a compelling opening - thank you for sharing!

@123gorainy День назад

"Our bottle of complimentary bottle of champagne is gone." Opens so many possibilities!

@jakiedark День назад

I am a total amateur when it comes to writing, still like the exercise it provides so I will add my two cents. Mainly, I think it depends on your novel and what you want to convey. Or to put it in other way, does reading the first line properly sell what kind of story it is? If the marriage trouble between the protagonist and Matt is the main subject, I think openers #2 and # 5 work best, as it put the focus on the troubled relationship. For mystery, I think opener #3 and #4 work best for either introducing mystery is part of the protagonist life (with #3) or something curious about the setting (with #4). Opener #1 works well for setting that the couple is stuck but that could lead to a rom com, or they will be hunted down by a snow beast. Not my favorite, honestly. Good luck with writing your novel. I might be unnecessary to say it to an experienced editor but it a lot of work and a great deal of fun.

@TheFoxchild 2 дня назад

I think I like the first one - it starts to establish a setting and shows that there is a disconnect between the two characters. I would only use the second one if you want to paint the MC in a bad light, that's what it does for me (dependent, of course, on WHY she's checking his phone). The third is the best hook, but depends what you do with it - if it ties into the larger mystery, it's awesome, if it turns out to be a "nothing-burger" then it's disappointing. The fourth is okay, it will get most readers to ask a question, but, to me, it's a bit flat. The fifth is my least favorite, idk, it just seems kinda cliche', I think that kind of opening needs to be more unexpected to function as a hook.

@martinsadl1936 День назад

I'm a published author, and I admire your videos, and the approaches to fiction writing that you suggest. I won't comment on the opening to your novel, but perhaps remind you, that once you've got your story underway, it's time to consider its ending. Without that to aim for, which might well change, as the story proceeds, many would-be writers reach the final chapter, and discover it doesn't work properly, and ends up rushed. Or, completely rewritten. By that, I don't mean simply another draft, but a major rewrite.

@arnoldfossman1701 2 дня назад

#1 sounds to me like it could be that Matt is as interested in the dog as your POV character. Matt being on hold with an airline could be him doing all he can to get them home to take care of whatever is going on with the dog. This actually gives you two ways to go with your story, it could be conflict between Matt and the POV character, or it could be each of these characters doing what they personally can do in a form of harmony. I'm surprised that you didn't offer a method that Keith Laumer often used in his Retief of the CDT series. He would take a short passage from a fictional encyclopedia that he uses to set the scene for the story. This is a method that I'm trying to use for the story that I'm stalled on in my writing. BTW, I'm a panser mainly because I don't feel like I can make an outline for my story.

@rad4924 2 дня назад

As for my own opening lines, I've written five novels (most of which are objectively terrible) and the opening lines for each were: 1. "The punishment was twelve months incarceration in a metal box that smelled of diesel and urine. The crime was existence." 2. "It was the egg salad that killed him in the end." 3. "Just be yourself. That's what they tell you." 4. "A screaming came across the sky--well actually, it was more of a yelling than a screaming." 5. "You're awoken by the sound of a klaxon screeching into your ear."

@darrengaroutte7744 2 дня назад

I think the fifth one is more eye-catching. This is the first sentence from a manuscript that I'm only a few chapters away from completing "Megaera awoke from her alcohol-assisted sleep when the warm wall she was pressed up against shifted." The interesting thing I played around with for this story was to have two of the main characters start off the same way, but the context is entirely different. Chapter One's opening Megaera awoke from her alcohol-assisted sleep when the warm wall she was pressed up against shifted. As her mind caught up to the moment, a question began screaming in her brain over and over again, who the hell is in my bunk with me? Opening her eyes with dread, she turned her head enough to glimpse the face of her companion using her peripheral vision. She groaned internally as she recognized Octavian Agrippa, the Centuriae of the Cohors Classica attached to the Alecto. Chapter Two's opening Kit awoke when the solid surface of the mattress that was beneath her shifted. Ears on alert, she focused on the rustling sound Mordred’s body made as he slid over the sheets. As he rose from his bed she used the sensitivity of her whiskers to discern changes in the airflow created by his movements. This allowed her to gauge his approximate location, sight unseen.

@vixiannaatheria2555 День назад

I think #4 is the most interesting for its sense of humor, but I think all of them can be pushed harder. I tend to employ strategy #1 and #4 the most in my own work. "The air basked in light and bird song, the world made anew in the heavy lidded eyes of the fading night." "When Dietrich Benson’s corpse washes up Tuesday morning, I curse the currents for carrying him to my doorstep." "The gun at the back of his head pressed deeper into the base of his skull, “I’m moving.” "

@wespenre3418 2 дня назад

Thanks for having the courage to share! I like #5 the best. It makes me wonder how the protagonist will justify the statement, "Marriage is a delusion." It feeds my curiosity.