Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Writing refs

This is topic Writing refs in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Silver6 (Member # 1415) on :

Does anyone here know any good books about how to write terrific beginnings? I've had several critiques that pointed out my beginnings weren't strong enough and didn't grab the reader, so I'd like to strengthen that aspect of my writing.
Thanks in advance.

Posted by dspellweaver (Member # 2133) on :

Hello,

The only book I've read about it the one by Nancy Kress- Beginnings, Middles and Ends. It's been so long since I read but I do remember that it had quite a few good pointers. You can get it from the writer's digest bookstore as it is apart of their Elements of Fiction series. Amazon carries it too.

Good Luck!

Posted by Corpsegrinder (Member # 2251) on :

Books on how to write good beginnings...

I can't think of any, but I make it a rule to NEVER read a book or short story that doesn't grab my attemtion within the first page or two. That way--I hope--the elememts for a good beginning will sink in by osmosis.

This doesn't count for stories that people ask me to critique, however.

[This message has been edited by Corpsegrinder (edited February 13, 2005).]

Posted by Warbric (Member # 2178) on :

I've also got Nancy Kress' Beginnings, Middles & Ends as well as a handful of general writing and novel writing books -- all of which address the beginning. But since I still agonize over getting my beginnings right I just yesterday added The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman to my library. I'm just looking at it now, but I think kdw has recommended it here before if my memory isn't playing tricks on me.

Posted by Beth (Member # 2192) on :

I thought the First Five Pages kind of got weak towards the end, but it sure starts out well.

Posted by AshLeaf (Member # 2373) on :

I was thinking about the same aspect of writing this morning, and here's one idea: in addition to how-to books on writing, study writers who have a knack for immediately drawing you in. Isaac Bashevis Singer is one of my favorites. I recommend his Collected Stories; you can flip through the short stories and very quickly get a sense of the lilt and substance of his language as he begins to tell his stories.

Posted by HSO (Member # 2056) on :

Further to the previous comment...

I buy a lot of short story anthologies. I like 'em, obviously. Typically, the first thing I do is skim through the book and read the first sentence or two of each story.

I do this often with novels in bookstores or in my house, too. One of these days, I'm going to start collecting first sentences and put them into a file for reference; looking for, perhaps, common threads that make them good story starters.

Posted by NewsBys (Member # 1950) on :

I agree, the books mentioned are great sources. They helped me.

The way I normally get started is to:

1. Get an idea for a story. Let it stew while I do a little research on any topics it may involve, and think about the story concept. I also normally try to figure out where the story would fit within M.I.C.E. classifications.

2. Figure out a possible ending for the story. I used to just launch into telling the story without knowing or really thinking about the ending. Bad idea, at least for me. I found that if I didn't know the ending, I would wander off course. Also, you have to know the ending to build the "promise" into the beginning.

3. Get the opening scene set firmly in my mind. I normally try to pick the exact moment in the POV character's life when something triggers a change that brings about the story plot.

4. Think about the POV character and have a basic understanding of who they are and what their motivations are.

5. Choose the POV style (usually first or 3rd limited).

6. Write the best first line I can that includes the following:
* POV character's name
* Interesting element of the environment of the scene
* Use of some sort of action verb.
(Try several and pick the best one.)

7. Follow the first line with additional prose that shows the POV character in action in their environment.

Someone once suggested to me that a good story is like sledding downhill to a target area.
Start with the right equipment.
Get on the right slope.
Figure out where the slope ends and aim in that direction.
Pay attention to where you are going, don't spend too much time looking around at the scenery.
Don't get sidetracked into the woods and you will make it to your target.