(Photo Credit: Pinterest)
Reading an opening line in a book is like opening the door in a
mysterious house. The opening line of each chapter and scene opens
the door to a new room. A door is a portal, a representation, and a
foreshadowing of what is to come.
Your opening lines don't stand alone but are an integral part of the
whole. The opening line sets up expectations for the room beyond. A
dark, creeky door might lead to a room haunted by ghosts, memories,
or unseen antagonists. A glittery, gold door sets up completely
different expectations for the reader.
Take a look at the nearest door. It is probably simple. As important
as doors are, most people don't want to take a lot of time opening
one. Opening lines are usually the same way. Simple. Often short.
They mark a transition but reading one rarely takes a lot of time. To
make it easier for your reader to pass the threshold, consider
eliminating wasted words from your opening line.
At the same time, topics and details mentioned in the opening
sentence should be elaborated on later. Don't create false or
misleading doors. This can be entertaining for the creator but
quickly becomes annoying, frustrating, or confusing for the reader.
You may be the architect but the reader is the person you for whom
you are building this house.
Many writers make the mistake of thinking doors don't matter. So many
doors and opening lines lack character. But like in the picture
above, you see the door before you see the room. The door in the
picture has character. Don't waste your opening lines. Give them
uniqueness and substance.
As a closing note, I want mention that while the door can build
anticipation, introduce mood or concepts or character or theme, the
second line needs to sustain and elaborate on these elements and
sustain interest. A fabulous door that leads to a boring room? Total
let down. So don't let your work go to waste.
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