Comments on Pens Fatales: Martha Thinks Firsts Are Overrated

Martha, great post and you have an excellent point...

2009-06-15T20:12:18.121-07:00

Martha, great post and you have an excellent point, however, I find that I don't remember either! But between the choice, I'd vote for the first line to be killer because it does have to snag me:)))

Oh, and for all those who are interested in gettin...

2009-06-14T10:08:31.049-07:00

Oh, and for all those who are interested in getting an ARC of Catching Fire, Shiver, or Along for the Ride check out: http://kidlit.com/kidlit-contest/

- Whitney

VERY good point! I never thought about that. It IS...

2009-06-11T08:51:26.376-07:00

VERY good point! I never thought about that. It IS the last line that tends to stay with you.

I *do* think first lines/paragraphs/pages are important, but the first line cannot carry a book. The last line has the potential to create fans.
~Stephanie

I agree with the seduction model, although I prefe...

2009-06-10T19:13:59.622-07:00

I agree with the seduction model, although I prefer to be seduced in the first 10-15 pages. Anything more than that is just playing hard to get. And hard to get should be saved for a fabulous last line...always leaves them wanting more!!! Great post, Martha.

I'm extremely excited for Christy! I would ha...

2009-06-10T13:08:03.975-07:00

I'm extremely excited for Christy! I would have had something nice to write about everyone who entered because I do know and interact with most of them (one just set me up with her critique group, another was very supportive during a rejection) but Christy was the FIRST so I loved that you won, Christy!

I've just never been about the first line. And I get weirded out when I feel a first line is trying too hard. Like the book feels really needy. I don't enjoy needy people. And therefore don't enjoy needy books. Although I myself an needy. It's a double standard. I know.

First of all, congrats to Christina! I absolutely...

2009-06-10T12:55:42.790-07:00

First of all, congrats to Christina!

I absolutely love this post. While we are hammered with how important our fist lines are, it's important to remember last lines can have a bigger impact . . . for good or ill.

And just a postscript: If you read a book with th...

2009-06-10T09:30:22.389-07:00

And just a postscript:

If you read a book with this first line, would you continue:

I turned the Chrysler onto the Florida Turnpike with Rollo Kramer's headless body in the trunk, and all the time I'm thinking I should've put some plastic down.

(from Victor Gischler's incredible GUN MONKEYS)

As a reader, I choose a book based on the first pa...

2009-06-10T07:25:23.288-07:00

As a reader, I choose a book based on the first page: the first line, the voice, does it seem like it will suck me in. So I'm a sucker for a good first line. A good last line is good, too, but if you can't make it through the first page, you're certainly not going to see it.

I wish editors felt the same way you do. There'...

2009-06-10T04:15:49.085-07:00

I wish editors felt the same way you do. There's SO much pressure to have a perfect first line and a perfect first page! I agree, the last line should take my breath away.

Okay, so I'm back and can think clearly now. T...

2009-06-10T01:01:28.791-07:00

Okay, so I'm back and can think clearly now. Thank you! I'm thrilled.

I also agree with you. I'm more of a last line kind of girl too. That last line pulls in all that you've read and either leaves you flat or intrigued or warm and fuzzy. Yep. Last lines rule.

Ok, so you made me cry. I'm going to go freak ...

2009-06-10T00:50:18.587-07:00

Ok, so you made me cry. I'm going to go freak out and then I'll be back.