Recently, I started drafting a new contemporary Christian romance book, thus ending a writing break that had lasted several months. The time off provided exactly what I’d needed—a chance to rest my creative muscles and not feel the need to produce. It was a lovely respite, but I knew the time would come that the urge to begin a new story was strong.
A few weeks ago, I sat down to begin again. It felt like getting back on a bike that was stuck in mud and facing uphill! I must have written at least a dozen versions of the opening line. You see, first lines aren’t just a first impression to pull readers into the story, they also help get a writer (at least this writer) excited for the fresh start.
This got me thinking about the first lines I’ve written over the years. I cracked open the covers of my other books for inspiration as I got back on the bike. I thought it would be fun to share a few of these first lines with you.
Not much had changed about Laurel Cove, North Carolina in the ten years since Livy Johnson had last visited.
Someplace Familiar (Laurel Cove Romance Series, Book 1)
The first line from my very first published book, it evokes simple excitement because it not only introduced the heroine coming “home” but also began an introduction to the fictional town that would mean so much to me, and thankfully some faithful readers, over the course of 4 books.
“You have got to be kidding me.”
Spoken by heroine, Quinn McAlister,
in Someone Found (Laurel Cove Romance Series, Book 3)
With this first line, we begin in the middle of the action. What’s more, with the heroine’s reaction to a less than ideal situation, and the reader is immediately along for the ride!
With a name like Gwendolyn Rose Darling Lochs a fairytale romance was surely written in the stars.
Gwen and the Three Dates, novella originally published in
Once Upon a Summer Collection (soon to be released independently)
As a writer, I absolutely adore that this line instantly sets the fairytale tone for the story, but the use of “surely” implies maybe things hadn’t yet worked out that way for our heroine. Keep reading to find out!
These are just a few first lines from my books that inspired me when beginning my current work-in-progress. As I said, several drafts of first lines for this new book just weren’t hitting the mark. If the line didn’t make me want to keep writing, what chance did it have to make a reader what to keep reading?
The book hasn’t yet gone to my editor—there’s A LOT left to write—so changes are of course still possible, but I think I’ve found a first line I’m happy with. Would you like to read it?
Hannah willed the pouring rain to drown out the sound of her name being called repetitively from somewhere in the night behind her.
from Untitled Project
Whether or not it pulls readers in is yet to be known. Several months of writing, editing, and formatting lie ahead of me. But for now, this fresh start has me excited and wanting to write more. So, onwards!
Is there a book you’ve read recently whose first line stands out? Do you prefer books that begin in the middle of the action, identify the setting, or something else?
Here’s to first lines and fresh starts, friends!
Teresa Tysinger is an author of Southern contemporary romance inspired by grace. She writes on the fringes of being a wife, mom, and full-time communications professional. Teresa is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, the Association for Women in Communications, and the Religion Communicators Council. She’s an introverted Enneagram 4 (if you know, you know) and loves coffee, traveling, and almost every genre of music. Born in Hawaii, raised in Florida, and educated in North Carolina, she now resides in Texas with her husband, daughter, and dog.
I like the first line for your new project, it sounds intriguing!
I can’t recall any particular first line I’ve read recently, but I usually like something quite descriptive that gives me an idea of the setting of the story I think, a bit like the first line from your first novel. Having said that, it’s always nice to be surprised by something different, I’m always amazed by how creative writers are and the different things you come up with!
Good luck with the new book.
“They shoot the white girl first. With the rest they take their time.”
From Paradise by Toni Morrison
I haven’t really thought about first lines before but I have thought about the first paragraph and whether or not it pulls me into the story so I would say I like first lines that pull me right into the action and make me think and want to read the book to find out what happened.
Very intriguing first line! To me, it sets the tone as a dark, desperate, lonely heroine.
Intriguing first lines.
Thank you so much!
Definitely intriguing!
Being pulled into the action is a draw for me too!
Thanks!
Thanks for reading!
I like this first sentence of yours! I don’t have a memorable first line that sticks out for me. I like for the action to start with the first line if it’s a suspense. For romance, it really doesn’t matter how it starts, to be honest!
I like the first line in your book. It will definitely pull a reader in.
I can’t recall any first sentences in the books I’ve read recently that pulled me in. Sometimes it’s the third or fourth chapter before I finally get pulled in. That’s really hard for me, because it’s hard for me to continue reading. I do persevere and continue reading, because I have to give the book a chance. Most of the time, I am definitely glad that I did.
Oooh, it definitely sounds intriguing! From the examples you gave, I prefer the ones that start in the middle of the action, though there’s also something to the ones that set the scene. :)
Wishing you the best in your writing journey with this new book!
Your first line is very intriguing! And yes, first lines pull me in for sure! I like it all. Have a great day and a great rest of the week.
I’ve never thought about first lines before. So there are none I particularly recall. So, I looked at 3 books that I have queued on my tablet on 3 different platforms. None of them really did anything for me, although I will read the books. With that being said, I definitely like the first line of your new book and want to know what it is all about and what will happen to Hannah. So, please, keep writing!
I like your first line, it intrigues me! I kind of enjoy first lines that start in the meddle of action or situation.
I liked lots of first lines but can’t think of them as This year I have read lots of books.
That’s good to know. :) Thanks so much.
Authors certainly do appreciate you sticking with the story for a bit if it doesn’t immediately pull you in, even though that’s our hope.
Thank you so much, Priscila!
Same to you, Alicia. Thanks!
Yay! Glad it intrigued you. :)
Lines in the middle of the action seem to be the preference so far!
Reading a lot makes it harder for specific ones to stand out, for sure. Thanks!
I tend to like lines that introduce the setting best. :)
I’m a sucker for a good setting, so I do like those types of lines, too.
I like first lines that immediately put me in the middle of the action because they always seem unexpected. Good luck with your new project!
I like the whole first page to stand out.
can’t think of any
I like your first line in your untitled project. It makes me wonder why Hannah is out in the rain at night, who is calling her repeatedly, and why she is ignoring the person?
Here’s the first line of the book I’m currently reading, Memory Lane by Becky Wade: “The day Remy Victoria Reed fished a drowning man from the Atlantic Ocean began in the most ordinary way.”
I like that line! Like many other commenters, I like the lines that put you into the middle of the action, but I don’t have any favorite lines off the top of my head.
Yes, I enjoy first lines that begin in the middle of the action. Thank you so much for sharing. I am so glad you are back to writing after your break. God bless you.
Thanks so much, Jessica!
Good point! A great start is more than a first line. :)
That is a WONDERFUL first line! Memory Lane is up next on my reading list. Can’t wait to start.
Thanks for reading. :)
Thanks so much, Debra!
I love first lines that can draw me into the story immediately
Mistaken Mountain Abduction by Shannon Redmon
“A child’s screams pierced the cold March wind and rushed against former Army Lieutenant Aggie Newton as she exited Sal’s Diner.”
Yes I enjoy first lines have a Blessed Day
I like a lot of first lines but don’t always remember them. I have also seen some I don’t like. (am late just back from the city to have to tooth surgically removed)
I’m intrigued. I immediately want to know who’s calling her name and why.