Do the 13 lines have to be from the beginning of the book? My story might be summarized into 13 lines, but the first 13 don't tell you much about the story at all, other than the decision that sets things in motion. However you don't know what those events are until later in the book, so I'm worried that the FIRST 13 lines wouldn't work...sorry if that sounds like an infantile question.
Posted by Leigh (Member # 2901) on :
To my knowledge, as long as it's no more than 13 lines, it's ok.
It doesn't matter what part of the story it comes from.
This is Kathleen's topic on why it must be this way.
Posted by MommaMuse (Member # 3622) on :
Okies..I gotcha. In otherwords, if the first 13 lines of my story are necessary, but not necessarily changable, yet not quite the HOOK that I need, I need to create a prologe that IS the hook I need...I have a thought...Let's see where it will take me.
OR
Should I not be so quick to dismiss the beginning of my story, and test the first 13 out on some of the folks here?
Posted by pantros (Member # 3237) on :
the first 13 is not designed for novels.
The hooks in a novel are completely different from the hooks of a short story - which is what the first 13 we usually work on here are.
Posted by MommaMuse (Member # 3622) on :
I just went back and reread the "Why the problem with the first 13..." thread again. Since what I'm working on is most likely going to be a short novel, it this the wrong place to work on it?
And do all the agent/editor guidelines apply to novels as well as short stories? And what do you send to the editors? Just the first chapter/page? I'll keep reading through the threads, but if anyone can suggest a thread or two, please feel free!
Is it just me, or is the idea of getting a work published terrifying and exviting all at once? LOL
[This message has been edited by MommaMuse (edited August 08, 2006).]
Posted by hoptoad (Member # 2145) on :
Hi Momma, You can work on it here but, as a writer working on a novel myself I can say it is difficult to get anyone to read a whole novel around here. But that's okay, it's not why I hang around. I find associating with other writers is a bit like oxygen, I kinda need it or... well, you know.
There is plenty of info on manuscript formatting, queries, submissions, markets, and advice on tap here.
The First Five Pages and The Plot Thickens by Noah Lukeman are very good, if you are looking for something more to read. He (Lukeman) also recommends OSC's Character and Viewpoint. If you have a good library nearby, you might try OSC's Writing Fantasy and SciFi. It's a bit harder to find but enlightening. They all have advice about getting published.
BUT: If you want my advice at all, the one thing that seems to make the biggest difference to the writers here is if they get the chance AND go to a workshop, like bootcamp. They come back different, with more direction, more focus, more confidence. I live in Australia, but if I had the chance to attend one with OSC I'd be there with bells on. If you are going to do one try to do one that is run by a published author, preferably one you like.
Me? I think Hatrack is a good spot for any fantasy/sci-fic writer.
[This message has been edited by hoptoad (edited August 08, 2006).]
Posted by Survivor (Member # 213) on :
The first thirteen is just to demonstrate that you actually know how to start a narrative. It doesn't have to be a "hook", though you do want one sooner rather than later. You just have to get through it without making me feel like I'd want to claw my eyes out if I were obligated to read several pages of your writing.
Offer your novel's first chapter for feedback. If you're doing anything right, you'll get offers to read the entire thing. If nobody offers to keep reading, dig for answers and be ready for what you learn.
Posted by MommaMuse (Member # 3622) on :
Thanks again everyone! I have both the OSC books mentioned above, and have read Characters and Viewpoint. I haven't cracked the other one yet, though. I shall remedy that at once!
AS for the workshops, I can never afford to do any of those, not even the ones for my career fields. No one ever comes to Alaska, and the workshops are already expensive in and of themselves, so it's the whole, so close, yet so far away deal.
Posted by hoptoad (Member # 2145) on :
It's the same for me in Tasmania. Its $400 just in fares to the mainland and back. All the more reason to hang around here, really.
I am looking into the 'self-education expenses' area in my tax return to see whether I can claim the fees.
[This message has been edited by hoptoad (edited August 08, 2006).]
Posted by MommaMuse (Member # 3622) on :
I can't speak for Tasmania, but self-education expenses are a business deduction her in the States. I just don't have the money to spend NOW, that I can write off on my taxes LATER! lol
BTW, I've been rereading the Characters and Viewpoint book, and there is a LOT more I understand now than I did when I first read it.
Anyway, I think we've beaten this topic into the ground. Nest topic, Determining Travel Time! See you all there!
Welcome 
