| As a writer, you always hear that the way to pull in an agent, editor, AND the reader...is a great first line. It's called a "hook." And if you can grab your reader, whoever it may be, from the beginning, then they'll be sure to read your story. I've been delving into the *cozy mystery*...because I'm thinking about writing one, along with a YA mystery, and I've come across these great first lines or hooks. Slay It With Flowers by Kate Collins. Just for the record, I am not, in the true definition of the word, a meddler. Better of Wed by Laura Durham. Planning a wedding can be murder. Dead Men Don't Lye by Tim Myers. As I looked down at the corpse sprawled on the back steps of my family's soap shop and boutique, I knew in an instant there wasn't a cleanser made anywhere in the world strong enough to get rid of the acid stains and burns on Jerry Sanger's face. Snuffed Out by Tim Myers. I was hunting for the short circuit that knocked out the power to River's Edge when I stumbled across Aaron Gaston's body. Killer Hair by Ellen Byerrum. Lacey Smithsonian looked down at the unfortunate woman in the coffin and thought, Oh my God, that is the worst haircut I've ever seen... Through The Grinder by Cleo Coyle. She had to die. Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle. Men are pigs. The Chocolate Mouse Trap by JoAnna Carl. "I'm sick and tired of killing this stupid inspirational junk," I said. Chocolate Dipped Death by Sammi Carter. "I can't believe she had the nerve to show up." Invitation To Murder by Elizabeth Bright. "You've got to tell her I won't stop it! A Flicker Of Doubt by Tim Myers. As my kayak brushed against the woman's body, I thought I'd hit another half-submerged log. Death Waxed Over by Tim Myers. I didn't hear the shot that killed Gretel Barnett, even though her life was extinguished just fifteen feet from where I stood. And let's not forget the queen of romance, Nora Roberts/JD Robb. Her *In Death* series is awesome for hooks. "The dead were her business..." , "Getting married was murder...", "The alley was dark and stank of piss and vomit...", "The business of murder took time, patience, skill, and a tolerance for the monotonous...", "Death surrounded her..." I could go on and on..by I'll stop now. So, what do you think? Did you like these one-liners? How about sharing some with me that you remember, or sharing the first line of your current wip. Post away. Let's see what you got! :-)Lyric |
Dang woman, I didn't know you had a blog up and running...shoot. I've added you to my blog sidebar. Now I can visit you!!!
~Ann :)