“Write” Start: Emotions

So far in my last few blogs, I’ve discussed different ways to open stories. This week the “write” start begins with emotions. Make the readers smile or laugh with the opening sentence. Or scare them. Shock them, even. Any emotion works to grab the readers’ attention.

Humor is a winner with any age group. But what’s funny? That varies with age, so ALWAYS write to your audience. In DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, the first line tickles my funnybone: “First of all, let me get something straight: this is a journal, not a diary.” So does THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER: “The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.”

A Wrinkle in Time oozed with intrigue: “It was a dark and stormy night.” The first line in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS is a bit scary: “If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.”

Play with words. See what type of opening works best with the story you are writing. If you find that writing an attention-grabbing first line is difficult, you’re not alone. That is the most difficult line of the entire book, so take your time. Remember, you don’t have to have the first line written to write the second and third lines. Just write. Revision comes into play after you finish the first draft. That also gives you time to think about the opening. And to rewrite. And rewrite. And rewrite. After all that, try out your opening with a few fellow writers and ask for feedback.

Call for Submissions for Young Writers:

Magic Dragon. Writing – Work should be neatly printed or typed. If you type it, please double-space. Stories and essays can be up to three pages, poetry up to 30 lines. It is ok to send writing that you have also illustrated. You can write about anything that is important to you; it can be serious or funny, true or fiction. If you send originals and want them returned, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Submissions guidelines at http://www.magicdragonmagazine.com/?page_id=6

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

Chicken Soup. Miracles do happen each and every day. Everyone has experienced events in their lives that cause wonder and astonishment and give them hope for a better future. Why did these things happen? Is there an explanation? Or did these things seem to happen for no reason at all?




We are looking for true stories of no more than 1,200 words for this multi-faith book that will awe you with examples of amazing events and unexplained happenings. Share your inspirational stories with us to remind us that each day holds hope and to never give up. A miracle can happen at any time.
Submissions guidelines at https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.

Leave a message or check out my blog at www.nancykellyallen.com