Writing Exercise -- First Line Bounce Offs
Using Given Opening Lines as a Launching Point for Fiction
Mar 26, 2009
Having trouble getting that piece of fiction started? Using these first lines may be the answer to getting the writing flowing.
The following first lines can be written out on individual pieces of paper, put in a container of some kind and selected at random.
The advantage of being given a first line is that it can take the writer straight to the heart of the story rather than be side tracked, and perhaps bore the reader, with the backstory of the characters and circumstances.
First Lines for Fiction
- The first time I saw him I felt an embarrassing urge to laugh
- It took them almost three days to realise the knife was missing
- It all started because we'd run out of milk
- He only brought the stupid thing because she said she liked green
- Graham rolled his eyes as soon as he walked in the door
- A dark shadow moved toward the window
- The letter arrived three days late
- He seemed pleasant enough the first time we met him
- This time there would be no witnesses
- I had told him so many times not to run through the house
- Ignoring his mother's pleas, he ...
- Why couldn't my mouth, for once, just behave
- My father was a self-made man and he believed ...
Other Story Elements
When reflecting on how to continue the first line, think in terms not only of the action but other elements as well. Consider
- the time of year the story is being told, whether it is a cold winter's evening or a warm summer afternoon can change the story
- if the story is being told around a significant day eg a birthday of one of the characters, Christmas, a funeral
- the era in which the story is being told. Rather than set it in the present day, set it by-gone days. Perhaps 200 years ago or 20 years ago or 'between the wars' (WWI and WWII).
- the age of each of the characters eg teenagers, young adults, over 60s, retired?
- the setting. Is it familiar from current day or from childhood, from the experience of living there or just visiting. Perhaps the setting is not familiar and research is needed.
- the circumstances of the characters. Are they old enough to be married or divorced. Are they still young and single? Are they living in an ordinary house, a rambling old mansion, a smart new apartment. Perhaps they are even living on the streets.
Being given a first line is a great help in starting a piece of fiction. Who knows where is may lead.
For more ideas try Writing Exercises.
The copyright of the article Writing Exercise -- First Line Bounce Offs in Writing Fiction is owned by Lesley Munnichs. Permission to republish Writing Exercise -- First Line Bounce Offs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
