For My Paid Subscribers: Writing the First Line

First thoughts have tremendous energy. They have to do with freshness and inspiration.

                                     - - - Natalie Goldberg

Once your introduction has passed muster, people will pass further judgment on your book when they begin to read Chapter One. There is no boiler plate formula for a good first line. Think about meeting someone for the first time. You may know exactly what you want to tell them or you may feel tongue-tied and shy. The right words may come naturally or it may be a challenge to find them. But if you give someone your full attention and listen closely, if you come off as authentic and kind, interesting, interested, and ready to engage, the shyness will disappear and you just might find yourself in a stimulating conversation. Or not.