What is the opening paragraph of that story you may never write?

What is the opening paragraph of that story you may never write?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

answer:I have actually started writing a story. It is a murder mystery. Here is the first paragraph: Jack Merrill was stoned. As he drove the winding road, aluminum canoes clattered against the metal rack on the trailer behind the ancient brown van. Held down with strong, black bungee cords, the canoes added significantly to the structural integrity of the rusted red metal trailer. The van’s passengers, damp from canoeing, were bounced against the sticky vinyl seats. The air was hot and humid and the rear windows of the van opened only as far as their latches would allow.
by

Related questions

What do you think of the opening paragraph to my novel?

Description : What do you think of the opening paragraph to my novel?

Last Answer : answer:A small, gray doorbell layed into the surrounding brick. This is either not a complete sentence, or the doorbell is an animate object. Either way, I'm confused. It was a curious and amusing ... door only amusing in the past tense, or is she currently amused by the door, from her perspective?

Is this a good opening to a short story?

Description : Is this a good opening to a short story?

Last Answer : answer:Welcome to ask-public. Whether or not you have a good opening for a story of any kind always depends upon the rest of the story. Instead of offering criticism, I will offer some advice instead. In ... . The art to telling short stories is knowing not what to put in, but what to leave out.

LEAD IN A NEWS STORY IS ..... a) The opening paragraph that sums up the story b) The words that people use to euphemize c) Both A and B d) None of the above.

Description : LEAD IN A NEWS STORY IS ..... a) The opening paragraph that sums up the story b) The words that people use to euphemize c) Both A and B d) None of the above.

Last Answer : a) The opening paragraph that sums up the story

Anyone good with the english language help me with a paragraph?

Description : Anyone good with the english language help me with a paragraph?

Last Answer : Sure

Is it correct that if you are paraphrasing an entire paragraph or more from one source in an APA paper, you must cite the source after every sentence?

Description : Is it correct that if you are paraphrasing an entire paragraph or more from one source in an APA paper, you must cite the source after every sentence?

Last Answer : answer:I'm not familiar with APA format; being a language student I use MLA. But if I were going to do what you're doing, I'd lean toward your first example. It seems silly to cite every sentence, but that ... way APA wants it. Are you able to contact your prof? I'd ask just to be on the safe side.

Paragraph indents in a Wordpress Theme?

Description : Paragraph indents in a Wordpress Theme?

Last Answer : Sounds like you want the text-indent property, e.g. p {text-indent: 1.5em;} Edit: Should have read your description thoroughly. You can’t edit the CSS? Don’t know of a theme, but I’ll leave my answer for people who can edit their themes.

Can someone write an opening paragraph for me as if you are a reporter on the subject of philosophers like Montesquieu Locke and Voltaire and make sure you take a stand in the opening?

Description : Can someone write an opening paragraph for me as if you are a reporter on the subject of philosophers like Montesquieu Locke and Voltaire and make sure you take a stand in the opening?

Last Answer : No we cannot write a paragraph for you as if reporter writing onthe subject of philosophers like Montesquieu Locke and Voltaire.This is the stand we take, since you are the student and we arenot.

My short story competition entry, "Among the stars", had not been reviewed. May I have some constructive critisism, and possible editing?

Description : My short story competition entry, "Among the stars", had not been reviewed. May I have some constructive critisism, and possible editing?

Last Answer : I’ll read it in the morning and let you know. :-)

Who would like to write a story?

Description : Who would like to write a story?

Last Answer : The creature sat only feet away, but it could not see me. I was hidden to everyone.

Could you write a one-sentence story to break the day's tedium?

Description : Could you write a one-sentence story to break the day's tedium?

Last Answer : answer:“Clarissa said she would buy the flowers herself.” (Okay – I cheated.)

Story Game: If you could only see the last answer in the thread, what story line would you write?

Description : Story Game: If you could only see the last answer in the thread, what story line would you write?

Last Answer : Little did she know that the wine glass flew all its way and hit a nearby policeman before smashing her neighbor’s window.

How to write a story?

Description : How to write a story?

Last Answer : answer:Can you briefly outline what’s happened so far in your story ? There are some pretty sharp people around here who can help make your story sing ( I’m not one of them….I’m just the ‘ask for an outline’ guy….)

How can I get my inspiration back to write my story?

Description : How can I get my inspiration back to write my story?

Last Answer : Read some great books, look at poetry, watch a movie about a great poet or literary genius. Take a note pad with you and go outside and keep a dream pad to scribble on next to your bed.

Is it legal to pay someone to write a story for me, then get it published under my name?

Description : Is it legal to pay someone to write a story for me, then get it published under my name?

Last Answer : Ever since there have been books there have been ghost writers who do precisely that. They will write a book for someone else.

What kind of story should a 13-year-old write for a book/novel?

Description : What kind of story should a 13-year-old write for a book/novel?

Last Answer : I’d appreciate all types of opinions.. :DD Thanks a lot!! :DD

Can you write or post a scary story that is written in two sentences or less?

Description : Can you write or post a scary story that is written in two sentences or less?

Last Answer : Michele Bachman has a shot, however remote, at being elected President of the United States.

Lets write a story!

Description : Lets write a story!

Last Answer : Elliot peered into the sink and felt a frothy sensation rise in his throat, as he gazed upon the unidentifiable remains in the drain. What had Martha been preparing for the evening meal of last?

I need to write a short story for an assignment and I need some crazy, creative ideas. Anyone have any?

Description : I need to write a short story for an assignment and I need some crazy, creative ideas. Anyone have any?

Last Answer : oh yes, but it could well be detrimental to your health

People who write fiction: Do you lay out the entire elaborate story before-hand, or figure it out as your characters do?

Description : People who write fiction: Do you lay out the entire elaborate story before-hand, or figure it out as your characters do?

Last Answer : You need to know where you are going before you plan your route.

Can you name some great opening paragraphs from novels?

Description : Can you name some great opening paragraphs from novels?

Last Answer : answer:I've always loved the second paragraph of Zooey by JD Salinger. Ten-thirty on a Monday morning in November of 1955, Zooey Glass, a young man of twenty-five, was seated in a very full bath, ... more often and the less absently he used the back of his wrist to blot his forehead and upper lip.

The opening sentence of your bestselling thriller goes as follows?

Description : The opening sentence of your bestselling thriller goes as follows?

Last Answer : Just the fact that I am writing this from under your bed should be enough to give you pause…he he heeee

What does the opening "HAVANA (AP)" mean on a news article?

Description : What does the opening "HAVANA (AP)" mean on a news article?

Last Answer : As far as I know, it is the location the news report is written in. So, not necessarily the location of the event reported on, but rather the location it’s reported from…..and I think you’re right about the AP part.

If I wanted to write fiction about a place I've never been before (which I, in fact, do), how could I possibly learn the fundamentals of the language enough for names of fictional places within that setting?

Description : If I wanted to write fiction about a place I've never been before (which I, in fact, do), how could I possibly learn the fundamentals of the language enough for names of fictional places within that setting?

Last Answer : I'm a little confused. Are we talking about a place that is not English speaking? I think you take some risk writing about a place you have never been, but I do think you can probably get quite ... editor can help you once you have the work done. Maybe I don't fully understand the question though.

I invite you to write a sentence that has never been written before [details inside].

Description : I invite you to write a sentence that has never been written before [details inside].

Last Answer : Does it have to make sense?

Is there a longer opening sentence or paragraph than this in English literature (popular or classical)

Description : Is there a longer opening sentence or paragraph than this in English literature (popular or classical)

Last Answer : I don’t know, but I’d hate to think we’d maxed out at 119 words. I’m guessing there is.

Which adjective used twice in the opening paragraph gives the reader the central clues to the woman's appearance?

Description : Which adjective used twice in the opening paragraph gives the reader the central clues to the woman's appearance?

Last Answer : YoU dOnT wAnT tO kNoW

What quote is most likely from the opening paragraph of Susan B. Anthony's speech?

Description : What quote is most likely from the opening paragraph of Susan B. Anthony's speech?

Last Answer : It shall be my work this evening to prove to you...

How does the opening paragraph of The War of the Worlds create suspense?

Description : How does the opening paragraph of The War of the Worlds create suspense?

Last Answer : by giving hints about events in the story that have already happend

What would you write for readers of the future that may read your personal message, to give them a glimpse of what life was like now? Well thought out answers please.

Description : What would you write for readers of the future that may read your personal message, to give them a glimpse of what life was like now? Well thought out answers please.

Last Answer : answer:I would hope that someone would clue them in to Fluther, where they could read my Greatest Responses, my previous Greatest Responses and my Greatest Responses that predate even those. I try to consider ... so, it's the off-the-top-of-my-head retorts and quips that get the most lurve.

Do you think a person may write better when slightly intoxicated?

Description : Do you think a person may write better when slightly intoxicated?

Last Answer : answer:I am really bad at writing if I am not under the influence of something. I find it makes me more creative. Having said that, I am talking about weed, not alcohol. However, I still find I have ... smoking weed. If I tried to write a random madness like that sober, it would not be so well done.

How can I copyright my story when I haven't written it yet?

Description : How can I copyright my story when I haven't written it yet?

Last Answer : You have a copyright to your outline, as written. No one gets to own story ideas, though. What you do, is don't share story outlines with people you think are going to use your ideas ... them for stealing your story line (and for being crazy maniac story-outline bandits, which is ridiculous).

In /r/goforgold on Reddit, what kind of award should be awarded for a 500 word story?

Description : In /r/goforgold on Reddit, what kind of award should be awarded for a 500 word story?

Last Answer : Why don’t you check out the rule and/or observe how other users operate?

In what dimension is the reader of a story in relation to the story?

Description : In what dimension is the reader of a story in relation to the story?

Last Answer : Omniscient observer

Is the prologue of my story interesting enough?

Description : Is the prologue of my story interesting enough?

Last Answer : answer:Why is this a prologue and not simply Chapter 1? There's something potentially interesting here, but it's a little too coy and evasive-doesn't tell me enough of what's going on and who's ... on. Even just saying what industry would supply a little bit of a hook to hang my curiosity on.

Do you ever have serial dreams, or dreams that tell an on-going story, episode after episode?

Description : Do you ever have serial dreams, or dreams that tell an on-going story, episode after episode?

Last Answer : Yes, I often have what I call “Saga Dreams” which are highly detailed, quite logical, and seem to go on forever. I’ve even awakened from some of these dreams—or at least thought I awakened—then went back to sleep and picked up the dream where I off.

Is this a good way to begin a story?

Description : Is this a good way to begin a story?

Last Answer : For a harlequin novel perfect. You have a talent for description. Keep it up.

Would you like to play the game: continue this story?

Description : Would you like to play the game: continue this story?

Last Answer : It was a dark and stormy night.

Writers, how do you prepare for a big story before writing?

Description : Writers, how do you prepare for a big story before writing?

Last Answer : I wrote ideas on index cards, which I then taped to my bedroom wall. That way, I could add, take away, and move around scenes easily.

How do you describe pain in a story?

Description : How do you describe pain in a story?

Last Answer : Absolutely depends on the type of pain. Throb, burning, sharp, stabbing, etc.?

If you wrote a Faulkneresque story, what elements would you incorporate?

Description : If you wrote a Faulkneresque story, what elements would you incorporate?

Last Answer : answer:Google “William Faulker Parody contests.” Here’s one year’s winner. “As I Lay Kvetching”

What story is this?

Description : What story is this?

Last Answer : answer:Is it “Black Boy” ? by Richard Wright Just a guess… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Boy

Care to share a scary story?

Description : Care to share a scary story?

Last Answer : answer:When I went to the dentist today, they said the tooth that was causing me serious pain needed a root canal, which would cost me $800 + 200 for a steel crown (luckily it's a molar). A thousand ... t have. Either that, or pull it for $125. I'm still shaken from the experience. Someone hold me.

What do you think makes a good story?

Description : What do you think makes a good story?

Last Answer : I love to see how the story changes the characters involved.

Can I use the phrase "black man" in a story without being thought of as a racist?

Description : Can I use the phrase "black man" in a story without being thought of as a racist?

Last Answer : If the guy who refers to the black man as a black man doesn't know any other terms, then I'm pretty sure it's acceptable. In fact all terms are acceptable, unless obviously racist words like ' ... racist, or the story delivering some infamy on the matter. I think the words black man are safe. :/

How can I advertise my story on Wattpad.com more?

Description : How can I advertise my story on Wattpad.com more?

Last Answer : I’m not sure about how to advertise your Wattpad account, but if you just want more feedback on the story, you could also post it to other sites. One I know of is fictionpress.com. Stories there tend to get a pretty good amount of traffic and reviews.

What genre would you assign to this story?

Description : What genre would you assign to this story?

Last Answer : sounds like sci-fi to me

Who wants to do a round robin story?

Description : Who wants to do a round robin story?

Last Answer : It was extremly crowded in there. Everyone was Christmas shopping. Nooks and books were all being rung up. Then, I looked across the crowded, chaotic space and saw….

What are two good names for two (evil) characters in my story?

Description : What are two good names for two (evil) characters in my story?

Last Answer : answer:Jenifer and Marilyn. (Names of my ex-wife and my ex-mother-in-law.)

How do I spot and fix continuity errors in my story?

Description : How do I spot and fix continuity errors in my story?

Last Answer : Set it aside and read it anew in a few months. Or join Critters.

Which of your relatives has the strangest life story?

Description : Which of your relatives has the strangest life story?

Last Answer : I suppose that would be me, what with some of the things I’ve been through… like in Vietnam almost being captured twice.