Table of Contents
What are the best opening lines in a book?
15 of the best first lines in fiction
- ‘Call me Ishmael’
- ‘I am an invisible man’
- ‘The story so far: in the beginning, the universe was created.
- ‘Mother died today.
- ‘It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York’
What is a good first line?
The first line of a story should create a sense of character, conflict, setting, mood, theme, or style — or any combination thereof. Most importantly, it should make the reader ask questions. You’re looking for a sentence that pushes readers to read the second.
What is a strong opening sentence?
A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don’t think you can say, but you still want to say. Now’s your chance to show a reader why they should want to read it.
What is the opening line of Rebecca?
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.”
What is the opening line of Oliver Twist?
‘Among other public buildings in a certain town, which for many reasons it will be prudent to refrain from mentioning, and to which I will assign no fictitious name, there is one anciently common to most towns, great or small — to wit, a workhouse and in this workhouse was born, on a day and date which I need not …
What are good opening sentences?
Examples of Great First Sentences (And How They Did It)
- Revealing Personal Information. “School was hard for me, for lots of reasons.” –
- Mirroring the Reader’s Pain.
- Asking the Reader a Question.
- Shock the Reader.
- Intrigue the Reader.
- Lead with a Bold Claim.
- Be Empathetic and Honest.
- Invite the Reader In.
How do you write a good opening for a novel?
6 Tips for Writing a Great Opening Line
- State your theme.
- Begin with a strange detail.
- Establish your character’s voice.
- Introduce your narrative style.
- Convey the stakes.
- Set the scene.