To Begin With... Getting Started

Beginning a book is a daunting prospect because, let's face it, people may not judge a book by its cover, but they certainly judge it by the first page. At the start of the year I attended an Xpo North event at which we were told starting a book with the weather was a bad idea. Problem. That's my default. It's true that the weather is a cliche introduction, but it's also quintessentially British and an instant scene-setter. Beginning with speech, as he suggested, is also a problem for me, as I like to know the character who is talking to me - and yes, I do see them as talking to ME.

So here's what I decided. Avoid speech, avoid the weather, and avoid anything that can be in any way subjective. My historical novels each begin with a statement of fact:

In a country at peace, men of war are confined to their homes and families.

       - Beneath Black Clouds and White

Petrovia Lodge was all that could be expected of a country house for a family of a not inconsiderable income.

       - Day's Dying Glory

War is so often solely about man’s desire to fight with man.

        - To Reason Why

Why? Because in this statement the writer can establish for the reader exactly the type of place or person they are about to meet. It's as though the reader has begun a cross-section of the character's world, and it is a world the writer has to hope they'll connect with.

So, just for fun, here are a few first lines from a handful of classic books I've drawn inspiration and encouragement from since I began writing. See how many you can recognise (all the answers are listed in the labels).

Feel free to add a comment of your favourite opening line - I'd love to know some of your favourites.

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