First Lines
I've seen this "first lines" meme all over the place and thought it looked fun. The rules are simple: post the first line from any (or all) of your books/works in progress. Play along in the comments with your own first lines, if you like. Here goes mine:
"I stiffened at the red and blue lights flashing behind me, because there was no way I could explain what was in the back of my truck." -- HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE
"I waited outside the large, four-story home in Manhasset that was owned by a Mr. Liam Flannery." -- ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE
"The man smiled and I let my gaze linger over his face." -- AT GRAVE'S END
"If he catches me, I'm dead." -- DESTINED FOR AN EARLY GRAVE
"As soon as Blake saw the men, he knew tonight would end with death." Devil to Pay, FOUR DUKES AND A DEVIL anthology.
"Eric swallowed the last of his beer and then set the empty bottle on the sidewalk." --Reckoning, UNBOUND anthology.
"I think Amber was murdered." -- FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON
"I squinted in the morning sunlight." One For the Money, DEATH'S EXCELLENT VACATION anthology.
"I'd been watching the dark-haired boy for a couple minutes before he disappeared." -- untitled WIP.
And here's a question: as readers or writers, are first lines supposed to be extra special? Should they be punchy, provocative, attention-grabbing, shocking, or it makes no difference, as long as the opening scene is good? Inquiring minds want to know :-).
-Jeaniene Frost