What makes a Great First Line? #amwriting

What makes a great first line? For me, it's the one line that hooks you and makes you want to keep reading the book. Sometimes it can be simple. Other times it can be complicated. But each and every line that grabs my attention have been funny -- or intriguing -- or something I can relate to.

I've been reworking an introduction of a WIP and as part of my revision, I've scoured my favorite reads first lines. In honor of this, I'm sharing my favorites below. 

"Saying that she went to the annual Firefighter's Charity Breakfast for pancakes was like saying she watched baseball for the game  -- when everyone knew that you watched baseball for the guys tight uniform pants." - Always on My Mind, Jill Shalvis

"Kate Evans would've sold her soul for a stress-free morning, but either her soul wasn't worth much or whoever was in charge of granting wishes was taking a nap." Rumor Has It, Jill Shalvis

"Liz Kowalski's thirty-year-old shitbox, loaded down with everything she owned, went by the Welcome to Whitford, Maine sign trunk-first, bald tires hydroplaning as it headed for the ditch." - Love a Little Sideways, Shannon Stacey

"Rational thought and a working knowledge of hand-to-hand combat were useless when faced with the villainous power of the American house spider." Two of a Kind, Susan Mallery

"In the split second before hell exploded, Jackson Wilder picked up his weapon and pounded the bastard back." - Sweetest Mistake, Candis Terry

"Apparently, even spammers were bound and determined to shove her lack of a love life in her face today." - Falling for Her Fiance by Cindi Madsen

How about from my own novels? I spend a lot of time trying to form the perfect first line that will make you want to read more. Here they are:

One Lucky Night: Drink or Dare
"May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door," Killian recited the blessing his father taught him as he entered The Brazen Head.

Love and Other Games: Trouble with Gold
"Okay, buddies, this is the place," Chris declared displaying a wide grin under his retro beanie hat, splaying his hands out by his side.

Breaking the Rules
The minute Colin stepped foot into the middle school office, the sinking feeling dropped deep into the pit of his stomach.

Time Changes Everything (Temporarily unavailable)
Amanda's priorities for the evening did not include a night of playing hide-and-touch boy-toys with her friends.

The Boy Next Door (Temporarily unavailable)
With four words, Gabe ruined Amanda Larson's teenage life.

What is your favorite first line? Do you have a favorite author or one you've written in your own book? Please share in the comments!

Thanks for visiting,
Melinda

Best Romance First Lines

As I work on rewriting my dreaded first chapter, I've struggled with my first page. Over and over, I've written those first paragraphs, and over and over I've erased them. How can I grab my readers interest? This is where my favorite authors come in. I've opened up my Kindle and reviewed their books...and reread my favorite first lines. I thought I'd share some with you as they are good reminders to me of what I want to do.


Every time the New England Patriots chalked one up in the win column, Kevin Kowalski got laid. - Undeniably Yours, Shannon Stacey

You got busy in the backseat of a '78 Ford Granand with Joseph Kowalski - only the most reclusive bestselling author since J.D. Salinger - and you don't think to tell me about it? - Exclusively Yours, Shannon Stacey

One upon a time, Minerva Dobbs thought as she stood in the middle of a loud yuppie bar, the world was full of good men. - Bet Me, Jennifer Crusie

I've never known anyone who was stood up for her own divorce before, Tina Savage told her sister. - Getting Rid fo Bradley, Jennifer Crusie

There was nothing dignified about peeing on a stick. - Unexpected Complication, Amy Knupp

Penny Jackson knew that it was probably wrong to be so excited to see her ex-husband come crawling back, but she was willing to live with the character flaw. Delicious, Susan Mallery


Why are these first lines good? It makes you want to read! But how do these authors do it? Do they work on them repeatedly or does it just come to them?

I continue to pound away at my keyboard, but I know I will get there. Just give me time....And for now, I will share my first paragraph. ******Drum roll please*****

Amanda’s priority for the evening did not include a night of playing hide-and-touch boy toys with her friends. However, her roommate’s birthday became somewhat of a ritual and she couldn’t back out. Plus, she had some exciting news to share.

There you have it!  It will probably change by tomorrow, but what do you think?

What are your favorite first lines?