The Promise of the First Page

[marjorielight]

The Promise of the First Page: That’s how Kate Messner and I opened a recent Creative Writing class this semester. Students use the time with us to begin writing novels, so we use mini-lessons designed to help them on their journeys as fledgling authors.

In one recent class, the two of us took turns reading just the first page of various novels,

Comments

[wordsrmylife]

What a great, simple way to keep it in focus. I'm going to add that to the sayings I have on 3x5 index cards over my desk. (Some of them are literally over the desk, because the ceiling is on a slope.)

Thanks!

[marjorielight]

That's a grand idea with the index cards! What else do you have written on your cards? Care to dish?

[philia_fan]

That's probably the best argument I've heard for polishing your opening. Lately I've grown very sick of the "you must hook your reader instantly!!!" pressure. For one thing, I keep reading books with great first-page hooks that later disappoint, which makes me grumpy. But I like the way you put it.

Too True

[marjorielight]

I know what you mean about the hook mantra. After watching my students self-select books over the years, it is important. I agree with you though - polishing the rest of ms to match that great opening, is important, too! :-)