Monday, July 16, 2012

Hookers and Hangers Blogfest Day 1



Today I'm participating in Falling For Fiction's Hookers and Hangers Blogfest. I get to share a few "hookers" with you...the first lines of a chapter that make it impossible for a reader to put down your book. 


Prepping this post has made me realized I suck at this. Really bad. But I'll share a few (from Remake) anyway and you can laugh at me in secret and feel better about yourself at the same time. Le sigh.


1. Whenever my name comes out of Kai's mouth, it sounds like he's trying to spit out poison.

2. The next day, I begin to bleed in my underwear.

3. When I wake, I hear the distinct breathing pattern of someone not me.

I know, I know. I don't know what I was thinking signing up for this blogfest, but I can't wait to read everyone else's opening lines. You can too by clicking here.

So tell me, what is the best first line of a book you've ever read? My current favorite is from The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife.

35 comments:

Stina said...

These are great first lines. I know what you mean, though. I only wanted to post hookie first lines, not just any first line.

Anonymous said...

The first line is pretty brilliant. Nice job. I can't wait to read more.

Anonymous said...

The first line is pretty brilliant. Nice job. I can't wait to read more.

Karen Baldwin said...

The best first line? 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, etc.' Even back then, Dickens knew how to hook.

Cristina said...

your lines are awesome! and I love the third one.

Clare said...

Excellent hookers, they really pull you in. It's hard to pick a favourite, as they're all so intriguing.

Suzi said...

Ohh. Three is creepy. Wondering whot that is. Great hookers.

F said...

Oh I love this! I really like the first and third one. Also I like the one by Neil Gaiman - it's a fantastic hook!

Dani said...

Line 3 was great. I couldn't imagine that feeling. Someone else's breathing... creepy!

Amanda Olivieri said...

You're crazy--these are great!! They're all so intriguing but my favorite is the first one. Awesome job :D

Emily R. King said...

Wowsa. Powerful first lines, Ilima!

Kyra Lennon said...

Very strong hooks! The first one is wonderful!

Hope Roberson said...

All very strong and very distinct, nicely done!

Tobi Summers said...

Ooh, I really like those! Especially the last one. I'm very curious about what that situation is.

Cassie Mae said...

I'm so intrigued by your book! Between the first 500 you posted the other day and this... geez! Great job!

Johanna Garth said...

I completely disagree. I think those are all great lines!

Robin said...

Making me want to read it again! Love your Hooks:)

Leigh Covington said...

Oh my gosh - they're all so great I can't pick "just one" to comment on! Great hooks!

Jenny S. Morris said...

I think they are awesome first lines!! I really liked the first one!! Can't wait to read your hangers.

Martin Willoughby said...

Very interesting first lines, though the second one makes me shudder.

Kathryn Purdie said...

Oh, Ilima, you're crazy. These are all solid first lines! Number one is my favorite, but they're all winners. And yay for REMAKE--one of the best books ever!!!

Kimberly Gabriel said...

Ha! When I went through my MS, I thought the same thing. However - you do not suck at this. These are great - the first one especially!

Jay Noel said...

#2 freaked me out, but #3 freaked me out even more!

Jeannette said...

These are not bad lines at all, silly. It's always hard to see our babies on their own, out of context, but they can't all be POW-BAM first lines... we would wear a reader out. Yours are really good. Interesting, unique to your story (not something generic like "He woke up on Tuesday morning with a hangover".) Do you have a follow button for email or Google reader somewhere I'm missing? Cheers!

Kelley Lynn said...

Oh man. I get goosebumps listening to people breathe and chew. Bad goosebumps. It's like nails on a chalk board for me. So your #3 totally has me cringing, not for the fact that someone else is probably going to jump up with a knife (haha), but because of having to listen to him breathe! ah! :)

Deana said...

HE-LLO! All awesome! What else is there to say woman. You have a gift:)

Deana said...

Oh yeah, and I realized I've been spelling your name wrong:) 1 L dangit!

Anonymous said...

Great first liners... the first one was very powerful.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

You're too humble. I think they're good! #1 is pretty impressive.
Best book opener? Mt personal fave is Gone with the Wind...Scarlet O'Hara wasn't a beautiful (or something like that!)

Lynn(e) Schmidt said...

Wow. These first lines rock! Well done! I really like the third one.

1000th.monkey said...

I really liked the first one!!

Unknown said...

Number 1 is my choice, but I enjoyed them all.

Nick Wilford said...

#3 is brilliantly creepy, but these are all great!

Trisha said...

These are all great! My favourite is #1 but they're all very hooky. nice work :)

Rachel Frost said...

I LOVE the first one. You're not bad at this at all, in fact you're really good at it. :D