In a short story I'd call it First Paragraph Promise or maybe even First Sentence Promise incorporating the who, what, why, where elements.
Here's an example taken from one of my shorts (Killing Doc Latimer) published in Woman's Weekly 2005:
Louise twirled spaghetti around her fork, unaware she was firing specks of sauce over her T shirt.
"Want to hear a confession?" I said.
She stopped twirling and gave me a hapless look. "Don't tell me anything that has to stay a secret, Donna. I won't mean to let the cat out of the bag but you know me and my loose lips."
"Relax. It'll be general knowledge by the weekend, anyway." I took a deep breath. "Thing is...I've killed Doctor Latimer."
Now I'm not saying the above is perfect but those few lines plunge you straight into the action. You get a sense of place, time and an insight into the characters and their relationship. Hopefully, you'll be intrigued to know why Donna's killed her GP and why she seems not to care too much if it becomes general knowledge.
Unless you're completely new to writing you'll be bored by now so I'll impart some more family news:
x
5 comments:
I remember that story, Sue. It was great. And what lovely family news. A wedding in Vegas, eh? Brilliant setting for a story.
Gosh you have a good memory! I also sold it elsewhere in fact I think this was the 2nd version as I made it a little more modern. Think the origanl had a Maud and Phyllis or some such names.
As for the wedding, we teased them we wanted no less than an 'Elvis' preacher but they assure us they'll do no such thing...thank heavens. Hmmm, yes, def some story material there!
Meant to add that I'm flattered you still remember the story ;0)
Sue, I remember I was told once that generally speaking some editors only read the first and last paragraphs of stories they are sent, so I've always kept that in mind. You're right, it is very important to nail the beginning and end - and your beginning is a great example.
Congrats Sue. Viva Las Vegas - what a wedding it'll be! x
Post a Comment