Hello WriteByNighters,
Earlier this week I started reading a novel that began with disconnected dialogue, which is something I rarely enjoy but have never thought much about.
This isn't the exact line, but it was something like this:
"I'm here," Melissa said.
What do you think of that line as the opening to a short story or novel? Do the questions it asks make you want to read further? Or is it to you, like it is to me, a turn-off?
As a reader, when and why does it work for you? And when and why does it not?
As a writer, do you ever open your fiction with dialogue? Do you care to share an example with us in the comments, and maybe tell us why you went with that approach for that particular piece?
I'm not about to say "Don't open your fiction with dialogue!" It's not any kind of rule, at all; it's just my own preference. And if you've ever questioned my tastes in reading/writing, do it about a dozen more times every single day and you'll be where I'm at.
Anyway, out of fairness I went searching for a good example, and my old pal Stuart Dybek came through, like he always does:
"You're going to leave your watch on?" she'd asked as if it were an offense on the order of undressing to all but his socks.
I guess the lesson is this: like anything else, if you're going to do it, do it well.
