Program presented by Louise Pelzl
Having worked in marketing and sales for years, there is one vital bit of knowledge I gained. It’s okay to borrow ideas that work well instead of reinventing them. We can’t use other authors’ exact words in our writing, that is plagiarism, but we can use the concept of how their work is put together – hence Learning from the Masters.
At the January meeting, I will present the first paragraphs from three or four books written by bestselling authors. Over the years it has been pointed out to me in magazine articles and numerous writing classes that the first paragraph in many books should make the potential reader want to discover more. Entice the reader to wonder where the story is going. It can set the tone of the book or it can supply a mystery clue. It can intrigue the reader enough to purchase the novel. We will explore this as a means to improving our writing. It might just take our writing to a new level.
Later in the year, we will discuss covers, back cover blurbs, red herrings (no it is not a fish), and finally the synopsis.
For the January meeting, please bring your first paragraph from any of your written works to share with the members. The members will offer a critique, if you would like.
See you January 19th, usual place, usual time.
I wonder if your first paragraph could double as the first paragraph in your synopsis on Amazon or other book selling site. Many movies start with the first few seconds of the movie, then jump to a character summarizing the presenting problem. Then it shift to some impending conflict. Movie trailers is, by nature, a selling device. And so is the synopsis. So why not include the first paragraph? Lead with your best punch.