Dear writer,
This week we've got a hella fun contest for y'all:
We're seeking the best opening line and the best closing line of a book, story, or any other writing project.
Entry is free, the prizes are supercool, and you're eligible to enter both contests! (One entry apiece, though.)
Contest no. 1:
For some, writing is a frenetic activity. We slam half a gallon of high-octane coffee and/or pop a few uppers, crank the volume to 10 on our thrash metal, and don't start writing until we're
spinning in our chair.
That high-energy approach lends itself well to launching a reader into a book or story. A strong opening line not only makes a reader move to line no. 2, but can also become standalone legendary: "124 was spiteful" begins Beloved, famously; "I am an invisible
man" opens Invisible Man.
Another of my favorites: "It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn't know what I was doing in New York." That's from The Bell Jar.
Reply to this email to send me your best opening line.
"How do I win?" you ask. Let's say this: It'll be the opening line that most makes me want to read the second line.
Contest no. 2
For others, writing is more of a soothing endeavor. We draw a blanket across our shoulders, nestle ourselves into our little writing niches, turn on some white noise, light a candle, take a few deep breaths, and summon our gentle muse.
Writing a book, they say, is a marathon, not a sprint. It's important to keep calm so you can make it to the finish line and leave the reader with indelible words such as Frankenstein's "He was soon borne away by the waves and lost in darkness and distance"; or Fitzgerald's similar boats "borne back
ceaselessly into the past"; or Jake Barnes's famous line "Isn't it pretty to think so?"
Or, hell, Ellison's "And it is this which frightens me: Who knows but that, on the lower frequencies, I speak for you?"
Reply to this email to send me your best closing line.
The winning writer, to be chosen by WriteByNighter Chrissy Holland, wins his/her choice of candle from Chrissy's Lilyfield Candles.
Good luck!!!!
