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

End of Year Book Survey

Best In Books 2012

1.    Best Book You Read In 2012? (You

Since I read and write contemporary romance, I will focus on that, of course!

I cannot pick just one…. But I have two favorites that after reading them I said I had to reread them again in that moment.

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

And since it makes me sad not to have a Jill Shalvis book on my faves, I will list one of hers.

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

2.    Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Simply Irresistable by Rachel Gibson

3.    Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012? 

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske – I’m a woman of habit, meaning I usually buy authors I know and love or series/lines I’ve been faithful to. However, I decided to risk it on Tawna and boy was I surprised. Great fun read!

Fifty Shades of Grey series – I know, I know…. Some you hate it, but I loved it! J I didn’t even want to read it, but heard so much about it, I had to read it.

4.    Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

All and everything by Jill Shalvis! If you haven’t read any of her books,  you better get one NOW!

5.    Best series you discovered in 2012?

There are two series: Lucky Harbor Series by Jill Shalvis and Fool’s Gold Series by Susan Mallory

6.    Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Shannon Stacy, Susan Mallory and Bella Andre

7.    Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz – What a deep, enthralling story! Tiffany wowed me in so many ways. I was deeply disturbed by many things in this book, yet I couldn’t put it down. Also made me more interested in Erotica. Plus there are others in the series… on my TBR list.

8.    Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

See above! J

9.     9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

My faves that were listed in Number 1. I’d like to reread Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie, too, because I remember laughing my ass off and I need a good laugh.

10.  Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

There’s so many. The latest I read is a GREAT cover – eye-stopping! The Risk-Taker by Kira Sinclair

And so you won’t think I’m just into Man Candy, I also love this one… Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

11.  Most memorable character in 2012? 

James Fraser in The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey

12.   Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Tiffany Reisz knocked my pants off with her writing in The Siren, but since I already mentioned her, I will mention that Bella Andre writes some beautiful sex scenes.

13.  Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012? 

I would say Jill Shalvis’s books have an impact on me, because I want to write like her!

Pride and Prejudice would also be on my list. I read it at least once a year, because I love it so much!

14.   Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read? 

The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Now I have no time to read the others in the series, but I can’t wait.

15.   Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012? 

“Because you aren't just someone I loved back then. You were my best friend, my best self, and I can't imagine giving that up again." He hesitated searching for the right words. "You might not understand, but I gave you the best of me, and after you left, nothing was ever the same.” Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

“Accept that some days you’re the bug, and some days you’re going to be the windshield.” The Sweetest Thing, Jill Shalvis

“Just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, someone will hand you a shovel.” Simply Irresistable, Jill Shalvis

 16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012?

Shortest: No Mistletoe Required by Jeannette Murray

Longest: The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

 17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Fifty Shades of Grey has always been a conversation with other women, hence the reason why I had to read it. I was lucky enough to like it.

The Siren – So many dark, deep issues that I tried to talk to my hubby about and he was like…”What the hell are you reading? You like that stuff?” HAHA.

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry – I’m currently reading this as an ARC. The two characters are both going through tough times, but they help each other get through it and help discover a new side to themselves. They are lovely, have me smiling, and rooting for them.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry. I’ve read her many times with Harlequin Blaze and Harlequin Superromance. This one was self-published and wonderful!

 Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012? 

Sara at Harlequin Junkie – www.harlequinjunkie.com

We love all the same books, so it’s great to find book recommendations from her. Also, she has wonderful giveaways!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012? 

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie - http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/03/tuesday-tea-32612.html

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis - http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/04/tuesdaytea-head-over-heels-by-jill.html I’m especially proud of this one since Jill shared it with her readers on Facebook!

3. Best discussion you had on your blog? About Fifty Shades of Grey. I had to vent and others had major opinions about the book.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?
Discussion about traditional vs. self-publishing

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I enjoy participating in the Wednesday’s Writer’s Words of Wisdom. Authors give advice about promotion, marketing,etc. Great for a newbie author like me.

Also, Carrie Ann Ryan’s Blog Hops have been a  success. I do one of these a month.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

Starting my blog in March of 2012!

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Here are my top posts:

Christian Grey is My Hump Day Hunk – I still get hundreds of views a week on this one. I had to stop Hump Day Hunks as hubby didn’t like them. ;( http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/05/christian-grey-is-my-hump-day-hunk.html

Favorite Romantic Movie #1: Young Victoria

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/07/favorite-romantic-movie-1-young.html

Busted for Reading Romance

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/10/busted-for-reading-romance.html

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My announcement that my novel was  contracted!

Time Changes Everything – Here I Come 2013

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/08/time-changes-everything-2013-here-i-come.html

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Listening to books while cooking, doing chores, etc. Audible.com, baby!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

My goal was to read 60 books this year. I only read 52! So close!!!!

Looking Ahead…

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

I have a post dedicated to this coming in the next week. You have to wait and see! J

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?

This year my first book will be published. Most of my goals are writing related. This year I want to read 60 books (again) and have a more consistent blogging schedule.

Thanks for stopping by!

Melinda

Holidays Gift of Love Blog Hop

It's a Happy Holiday from your favorite Authors and Bloggers. While we know everyone celebrates a different way, we wanted to make sure that you guys knew how much we treasure you all. So from Dec 14th to Dec 17th, all 200 or so of us will be blogging about the holidays and what they mean to us. We may talk about our favorite holiday traditions, recipes, gifts, reads, heroes, and so much more. We want to hear about what you do for the holidays, what you read, and who you'll spend it with. Happy hopping!

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 200 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

But that's not all....

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 200 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $200 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: A Swag Pack that contains paperbacks, ebooks, 50+ bookmarks, cover flats, magnets, pens, coffee cozies, and more!

I will give away two Christmas novellas from the list below. That's right! TWO winners.: 

1. Shannon Stacy: Holiday Sparks 

2. Shannon Stacey: Mistletoes and Margaritas

3. Alison Kent: This Time Next Year 

4. Jaci Burton: The Best Thing

5. Susan Mallery: Only Us, A Fool's Gold Christmas

 Nothing better than a quick read in between all that shopping and festivities. Choose which novella from the list above that you would like to win! There will be two winners and the ebooks will be shipped via Amazon on Dec. 18. Enter in the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to visit the other 200+ bloggers who are also giving away surprises. You can find the linky list at http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by,

Melinda

My September TBR List

My September TBR list...

It keeps growing and growing. I wish I had all the time in the world to read all the books I want to read. I thought I'd share what is sitting on my kindle at the moment. Nothing better than books waiting to be opened.

When We Touch by Brenda Novak (Free at Amazon!)

A Baby of Her Own by Brenda Novak 

Cupcakes and Killer Heels by Heidi Rice (won in a contest)

Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox (Loved her other book so can't wait to read!)

Best for last:

Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis

All Summer Long by Susan Mallery

Have you read any of these books? Which one should I start with this weekend?

Find my new author page on Goodreads so I can find more books to add to my TBR list.

Thanks for stopping by,

Melinda