This thread is inspired by the "first five pages" thread. Quite a few people expressed the opinion that it's not what happens, it's how it's said that hooks the reader. Personally, I read the back of the book to get an idea of whether I'll like the plot; then I open the first page and read the first few sentences to see if I like the style. If I get to the end of the page and I've read without skipping, I'll buy it.
SO-- post your first three sentences! Are they gripping? Do they read well? I feel like the opening sentence of any novel is as important as the closing sentence.
Here's mine, from the novel I am currently shopping to agents:
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A wash of blue fills the horizon; nothing but sharp, brilliant green beneath his feet. He is dreaming. Samuel knows it even as the undertow of REM sweeps him away. [/FONT]
Actually that's the prologue, and yes it involves a dream, so sue me. If you want the first three sentences of the first chapter, here they are:
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“Where are the kids?” Samuel squinted through the spotted windshield, trying to peer into one of the open hallways across the parking lot. The shadows were too dark to see anything inside. “There should be kids.” [/FONT]
SO-- post your first three sentences! Are they gripping? Do they read well? I feel like the opening sentence of any novel is as important as the closing sentence.
Here's mine, from the novel I am currently shopping to agents:
[FONT="]
A wash of blue fills the horizon; nothing but sharp, brilliant green beneath his feet. He is dreaming. Samuel knows it even as the undertow of REM sweeps him away. [/FONT]
Actually that's the prologue, and yes it involves a dream, so sue me. If you want the first three sentences of the first chapter, here they are:
[FONT="]
“Where are the kids?” Samuel squinted through the spotted windshield, trying to peer into one of the open hallways across the parking lot. The shadows were too dark to see anything inside. “There should be kids.” [/FONT]