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IWW
Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Opening Up (Version 2)
These exercises were written
by IWW members
and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its
members.
You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that
you found
them at the Internet Writers Workshop
(http://www.internetwritingwor
kshop.org/).
Prepared by: Pam Hauck
Posted on: April 18, 2002
Reposted on: May 11, 2003
Reposted on: May 9, 2004
Reposted on: May 12, 2005
Reposted on: March 30, 2006
Reposted, revised, on: Sunday, December 2, 2007
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Exercise: In 300 words or less, write an opening for a story or novel
that will make your readers want to know more, to turn the page
and keep going.
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Read the opening paragraphs of a novel or story you like. Does it
start with a bang or more subtly, planting a question or a seed?
What in the opening makes you want to continue reading?
The best stories grab a reader's attention immediately. Whether you
are writing a short story, novel or memoir, your first few
paragraphs must persuade a reader to turn the page and see what
happens next. Thus an effective opening is essential.
Three ways to rivet your reader are often cited: promise a
fascinating plot, portray a character who demands to be known
better, or write prose that enchants the reader from the start. There
may be others.
For this exercise, you are asked to write something that will make us
all want you to go on for pages more. Don't attempt to write a
complete story--write only the opening that will keep your readers
glued to your page.
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Exercise: In 300 words or less, write an opening for a story or novel
that will make your readers want to know more, to turn the page
and keep going.
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In your critiques, explain what makes you want to read more, or
why you think the writer has failed in the effort. As always, discuss
the writing as a whole.
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Greg Gunther.
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