The Importance of the First Line

In this episode of the Writing Momentum podcast, hosts Christopher Maselli and Gena Maselli, along with guest Rene Gutteridge, delve into the significance of the first sentence in a book. They discuss how the opening line serves as a handshake with the reader, setting the tone and establishing trust. The episode includes examples of famous first lines and offers practical advice for making your book’s opening memorable, whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction. The podcast also highlights the benefits of joining a writing community for continuous improvement and support.

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• [00:00] Introduction and Welcome
• [00:56] The Importance of the First Sentence
• [04:33] Analyzing Famous First Lines
• [08:29] Crafting Your Own Compelling First Line
• [14:31] Non-Fiction First Lines Matter Too
• [17:05] Join the Writing Momentum Community

How important is the first line of a book? Well, that’s a question we get asked a lot, and let us say, it’s not just a light question. The first line is like a handshake with your reader; it sets the tone for your entire story. Today, we’re diving into this topic with our fabulous guest, Rene Gutteridge, and we can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!

The First Line: Your Story’s Handshake

When you think about the first line of your book, it’s essential to evaluate what it needs to do. Is it worthy of being mounted on canvas? Yes, you heard that right! There are companies out there that will print your book cover with its first line. Talk about pressure!

Rene points out that the opening line must function in various capacities. If you’re writing a comedy, for example, you want to set a humorous tone right away. It’s like killing two birds with one stone—make that first line a workhorse!

But don’t stress over it initially. Write it down and keep moving. Chances are, it will change as you revise and gain clarity on your story’s direction.

Analyzing Famous First Lines

Let’s look at some famous first lines for inspiration. Christopher searched for compelling first lines from well-known authors, while Gena went for the classics. One standout example is from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” What a way to grab attention! This line is brilliant because it sets the stage for everything that follows.

Then we have Moby Dick with its iconic “Call me Ishmael.” Short, sweet, and it evokes curiosity. It’s a powerful introduction that invites the reader into a deeper narrative.

Rene reminded us that a good first line is your initial handshake with the reader. Are you in control of the story? Is it a firm handshake or a floppy fish? Readers want to feel safe and know you’re taking them on a journey. They don’t want to work hard; they want to be carried along. So, make that first line count!

Genre Matters

It’s also crucial to consider your genre. If you’re writing a thriller, the stakes are high, and the opening line should reflect that. Christopher suggests checking out bestsellers in your genre to see how they kick things off. This can give you a sense of what works and what doesn’t.

Rene emphasizes that the first line should be interesting. If it’s bland, it might just get tucked away in the reader’s mind, and that’s not what you want. Editors are looking for a hook, something that makes them want to read more. If you start with “She woke up and the sunlight drifted through her room,” you might lose them right there.

Non-Fiction First Lines Matter Too

Now, don’t think we’re leaving non-fiction out of this discussion. Gena points out that your message might be fantastic, but if your opening line isn’t compelling, readers will think they’ve heard it all before. You need to convince them why they should read your book. A great opening line can make all the difference.

Readers come in thinking they know what you’re going to say, so you need to present your ideas in a fresh way that grabs their attention. Think of it as a strong handshake that says, “I have something valuable to share with you.”

Join Us in the Writing Momentum Community

If you’re feeling inspired and want to dive deeper into your writing journey, we invite you to join the Writing Momentum Membership. We offer weekly co-writing sessions, writing roundtables, first-page critiques, and hours of video training. It’s the perfect place to keep your writing momentum going!

So, let’s keep those first lines strong and compelling, and remember: every word counts! Whether you’re crafting fiction or non-fiction, your opening should invite readers in and keep them engaged. Happy writing!