Sunday, September 21, 2008

Opening with a Bang

Opening lines are so important. I've spent all morning trying to come up with something that will grab the reader and I think I've succeeded.

We had a great session yesterday with Cathryn Fox about pitching. I've come up with a movie comparison:

Fatal Attraction meets Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. What do you think? What does it make you think of?

Goal for next week: Chapter 1 Revised and sent to online crit group.

8 comments:

Amy Ruttan said...

I think it makes me think of the old south, but I haven't seen Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil so I'm not sure.

Actually I haven't seen Fatal Attraction either, but the high concept sounds great!

That's one thing I learned at Nationals this year was HIGH CONCEPT!

Unknown said...

Thanks Amy. It does take place in Savannah - which is where Midnight is set.

Unknown said...

Sounds great! Makes me think of old secrets people want to keep buried. I love Savannah. Never been, but I set a book there and did a ton of research to get the setting right.

Unknown said...

Cat, that's the feel I'm going for. Secrets - old houses,old money..

Do you have any recommendations for research books in that area?

Unknown said...

I used the internet for homes, restaurants, general feel of the place. Got a little history, mashed it all together. Came out pretty good. At least the setting did. The book still needs work.

Unknown said...

Thanks Cat.

I'm having a problem making my characters sound southern.

Annette Gallant said...

Maybe watch all the movies you can that are set there, Anne, letting the cadence and language get into your brain.

Did you check with the library to see if they have a book on local colloquialisms for that area? We have them for the Maritimes, so I'm sure there must be some for the Savannah area.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

Great new header for your blog, Anne - and I LOVE your photo in the 'About Me' section! Your high concept works perfectly. I'm feeling the moody, secretive southern vibe, definitely.

I enjoyed Cathie's session a lot. Good to hear Amy discovering the same thing at Nationals. When you need a break from sending your stuff out - Tag! You're it!