As a novice fisher, I’ve only caught a few fish, but I’m already thinking about better ways to hook more.
Likewise, as a writer, I think a lot about how to write beginnings that will hook readers.
Just as fishing advice abounds, so too does writing advice about beginnings. Immediately grab attention or you’ll lose the interest of your prospective agent, editor, or reader! Don’t start with description—especially weather! But don’t jump right into action or dialogue—not enough context!
Whew. No wonder that, just as we’re about to tell our stories, our eagerness to cast our first line suddenly dissipates.
GREAT BEGINNINGS COME THROUGH REVISION
Let’s begin by taking some pressure off ourselves, and set aside all those “don’ts” for a
