How to Write A Good First Line | 20+ Examples of Great Novel Openings

What makes a good first line? I'm sharing my thoughts/tips and a TON of examples, as well as going beyond the literal first line. In many cases, it's actually more a case of a great first couple of lines or first paragraph.

00:00 Introduction
01:19 First lines should be
04:54 Surprising, funny 1st line examples
07:40 Dialogue, sense of place 1st line examples
10:08 Scene-setting 1st line examples
15:21 Deceptively simple statement 1st line examples
18:55 2 thriller examples that demonstrate character
20:44 Prologue vs. 1st chapter examples
24:19 Middle grade examples
20:03 Humor & premise setup example
26:57 Classic/famous first line examples
28:47 Precision of language in great 1st lines
30:45 POV of your 1st line & character
31:30 Prologues & using format to your advantage
32:31 Final pep talk


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