I don’t know if I think these really are the 10 best opening lines, but they are all memorable. Clearly some are so memorable that people know them who haven’t even read the books they come from. What’s your best opening line?
When I met Bruce Sterling in the early ’90s, I didn’t know the bit of biography he reveals in this short reflection on Arthur C. Clarke. I think it explains, at least in part, why he was handing out computer disks with his own writing on it. And I learned a few things about Clarke, too.
Abbie Reese (seated) signs a copy of her book, Dedicated to God, at a preview for her film project, Chosen (Custody of the Eyes), April 22, at Rockford University.
Who doesn’t dream about having a book made into a film? Abbie Reese, who describes herself as an independent artist and researcher, is making her film a reality, but she needs some help. She’s been working on a project with the Poor Clare Colettines in Rockford, Illinois, for 10 years. That’s when she began wondering why a young woman would decide to spend her life in a cloistered community. “It’s a radical decision,” she says. Last year the book — Dedicated to God — came out from Oxford University Press. Now she’s looking for funding for the film, Chosen (Custody of the Eyes). I went to a preview of the work-in-progress last night. I think it’s fascinating. Please take a moment to visit the film site, learn about Abbie’s project, and consider making a donation. Thanks. http://www.chosenthefilm.com/
Need a character who frets? A fussbudget? A worrywart? Here’s a great article, meant to help people use their tendencies to the best advantage at work, that spells out traits you can use in fiction.