Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Details on first 13s

This is topic Details on first 13s in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by franc li (Member # 3850) on :

What are some fine specimens of first 13s? What should be in a good first 13?
How do you count a first 13?
Does the first 13 really have to accomplish anything besides getting the reading to want to read 14?

Posted by wbriggs (Member # 2267) on :

>How do you count a first 13?
13 lines in 12 pt font with 1" margins in your word processor (so I've heard).

> What should be in a good first 13?
Great writing, and something that would hook an editor into wanting to read the rest.

>Does the first 13 really have to accomplish anything besides getting the reading to want to read 14?
You could ask for comments just on that chunk. I do. Especially about the hook.

>What are some fine specimens of first 13s?
The start of anything I wrote. Seriously, the start of fine modern stories. (Older stories didn't need such immediate hooks, apparently.)

Posted by franc li (Member # 3850) on :

Thanks wbriggs. I guess I'll check the published hooks folder again. Last time I looked, though, they were showing things much longer than 13 lines.

P.S. Looks like it's about 200 words.

Maybe I should begin my novel with the scene (which is currently 70% the way through) where the MC is thinking about committing adultery. Then she can think back over her history with men so far up to that moment, and things can proceed from there.

[This message has been edited by franc li (edited June 14, 2005).]