We did a lot of writing for our last prompt, or at least we were supposed to, so this time we'll be doing fewer words. The following link talks about how to write a great first line.
http://www.superheronation.com/2011/01/26/some-observations-about-the-best-opening-lines/
It lists six possible ways to start a story. So the prompt for this time is to write six opening lines for the same story that match the six listed below. It can be a new story, an old story of your own or someone else's story. If you use an existing story do let us know how to find it. If a new story include, if you know, a brief idea of how the story continues. You can if you wish include more of the story or a synopsis.
Finally we can vote on the best (and worst) opening lines.
Here are the six ways:
1. Show us something interesting about a major character (ideally the lead protagonist).
2. Set something unusual and interesting in motion.
3. Establish the setting with a striking detail, ideally one that sets the mood.
4. Introduce an unusual relationship for the main character (with other characters, himself, his surroundings, and/or the readers).
5. Introduce problems and/or conflicts.
6. Subvert expectations and/or set up eye-catching contrasts, like exploding grandmothers.
For extra credit come up with a seventh way to start a story. Hopefully another good way and not bland and mind numbing.
For fun start with a bad opening such as: weather, dream, info dump or a Bulwer-Lytton start.
Here are some examples and you can see that a good or bad opening line is in the mind of the reader.
Inspiration:
http://americanbookreview.org/100bestlines.asp
Disinsperation:
http://www.howtobeatupanything.com/home/2013/02/the-10-worst-first-line…
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