Hatrack River Writers Workshop: First 13 lines

This is topic First 13 lines in forum Fragments and Feedback for Books at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Drake (Member # 9203) on :

After five minutes of silence, and satisfied no one was in the library, Finkley lowered himself down the last few feet of the chimney. He checked his pockets for the tinderbox and candle, reached for his crutch, and wriggled out of the fireplace.
For a moment he lay on the floor. The effort of crawling through the secret tunnels from his room had tired him. His head ached from not ducking low enough in one of the tunnels, and throbbed with the unceasing clang of a church bell. His sprained ankle pulsed, but only a little. It was on the mend
“Come on then, get yourself to the job in hand,” said the voice in his mind. “Or are you going to lie down there all night like some strumpet?”
“What’s a strumpet?”

Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :

Hmm.
I like the writing. Nice rhythm too.

However, if this is truly the start of a story, I'm not convinced you're starting in the right place. I say this because there is a lot going on that I missed.

For example his maladies. Crutch, headache, sprained ankle.

Then the main thing is his motivation. I'm sure you will get to why he's there, but my guess is it will end up being told or flashback. Not the end of the world, but starting earlier would solve all these issues.

However, they may just be my issues, so please only consider them if they make sense to you as well.

Axe

Posted by hteadx (Member # 6563) on :

I like the opening, you've managed to efficiently create an interesting setting and character.

I wouldn't worry about your starting point. As a reader I can interpret Finkely's injuries as a result of his efforts of navigating the secret tunnels. As for the crutch it adds intrigue for the character.

It could use some line editing, but nothing major.

I do have some reserves about the voice in his head line. I would have to be able to read on to give this line more context.

Posted by WouldBe (Member # 5682) on :

I liked it. Good atmosphere. There are a couple of minor awkward bits you might want to look at.

Consider avoiding the negative phrasing of 'ached from not ducking low enough in one of the tunnels' with something like, 'ached from banging his head in one of the tunnels'.

'His sprained ankle pulsed, but only a little. It was on the mend'
That might read a bit more smoothly if tightened, something like:
His sprained ankle pulsed, but was on the mend.

Good luck with it.

Posted by PB&Jenny (Member # 9200) on :

I like your post and the suggestions, too. I don't think I can add anything more to what you have now.

Posted by DerekBalsam (Member # 8471) on :

Drake,

Frankly I liked it a lot. I think your choices give your writing a distinctive voice and I would not try to change that.

What you've got here already gets a lot of questions rolling in my mind, which is great: why is Finkley crawling through tunnels and chimneys? What is the 'job at hand'? How did he/she sprain the ankle - in the tunnels or doing something else? What is that voice in his head and why is it talking to him/her?

I think raising that many questions is a good idea; it hooks the reader and creates an immediate need for resolution.

Nice job; it makes me want to go back and make sure I'm doing the same thing in my own openings.

Good luck!

Posted by Osiris (Member # 9196) on :

I second the comments about tightening the lines:
"His head ached from not ducking low enough in one of the tunnels"
is better as WouldBe demonstrated it. Just some basic tightening of sentences and you are good to go.

Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :

I concur with all the above. Well done. By the end of the 13 lines I am intrigued and, as a reader, desire to learn more about your character, his world, and who is speaking to him "in his mind."

Respectfully,
History

Posted by Delli (Member # 9202) on :

I liked it a lot - it intrigues me and I would want to keep reading. It sounds like the sort of book I like and would have chucked it into my book bag already after reading those first lines in the library.

The one thing that I sort of tripped up on was the first sentence. It seems to be in the wrong order or too long or..... something. Can't quite put my finger on it.

quote:
After five minutes of silence, and satisfied no one was in the library, Finkley lowered himself down the last few feet of the chimney.

I thought I'd change this to read something like:

"The library had been silent for five minutes. Satisfied, Finkley lowered himself down the last few feet of the chimney."

But the more I compare the two - the more your sentence fits with the rest of the tone of your first 13. I think it's the "and" that doesn't quite work though? I feel it comes too early. So, not quite sure how to fix it, or if it really needs fixing at all. Sorry, probably rambling a bit but just my two cents