Michael. You talked me through the three introductions about six weeks ago, and your words and voice from that conversation ring inside my head every single time I sit down to write an article (which is five times a week now). That means you are talking to me on minimum 5x a week.
One sign of a brilliant teacher is when their words linger in your head whenever you do the things they taught you. That’s you Michael. You do that.
You saying this means the world, Teri. Surprise is also a good element. I once started an article with "My favorite thing about today is nobody bit me." (something my kid said when asked about his favorite part of the day). Hard not to think "What is this all about?" when reading it.
Thank you Jay. And yes, I make up stories with my kids all the time and more times than not, we start with a group of animals arguing or running head-first into a problem.
That's a fun solution that also engages their creativity. It's wonderful that you engage in these activities with them.
That's what I write about in my 'stack. How to bring a sense of fun and discovery to storytelling in different media. Sometimes there's a tendency to be serious because it's art, but I feel this creates blocks that hinder the process.
Thank you John. Great to hear the examples are useful and time-allowing on your end, it may be cool to workshop one of your introductions in the coming months.
I love being dropped into the action when I read fiction, and I love doing this when I write my own. It gets me excited as a writer, as well as a reader.
This is such useful advice, I can't wait to write my next opening sentence... but which one will I use? I am going to have fun choosing (but I secretly know I will be using all of them!)
Point 6: I never considered using percentages in an intro. I did/do use dialogue. After reading this article, now I'm thinking about dialogue + percentages for an intro.
-
Guy on a phone;
"I want 75%.....No, You only paid for principal A, Now I want the same percentage on B. I know you have it. I even know where it's making money."
Michael. You talked me through the three introductions about six weeks ago, and your words and voice from that conversation ring inside my head every single time I sit down to write an article (which is five times a week now). That means you are talking to me on minimum 5x a week.
One sign of a brilliant teacher is when their words linger in your head whenever you do the things they taught you. That’s you Michael. You do that.
You saying this means the world, Teri. Surprise is also a good element. I once started an article with "My favorite thing about today is nobody bit me." (something my kid said when asked about his favorite part of the day). Hard not to think "What is this all about?" when reading it.
see, now that one will stick in my head too. and I can even hear it in your voice even though I read it and didn't hear you say it.
Love these ideas. Interesting you can apply these to fiction as well.
Thank you Jay. And yes, I make up stories with my kids all the time and more times than not, we start with a group of animals arguing or running head-first into a problem.
That's a fun solution that also engages their creativity. It's wonderful that you engage in these activities with them.
That's what I write about in my 'stack. How to bring a sense of fun and discovery to storytelling in different media. Sometimes there's a tendency to be serious because it's art, but I feel this creates blocks that hinder the process.
Adore this advice. Will be trying these suggestions this week at work as they make a lot of sense.
Very cool to hear Lala and appreciate the love as we get this things moving.
Super educational and useful next time I put pen to paper. The examples were excellent. 🙏🙏
Thank you John. Great to hear the examples are useful and time-allowing on your end, it may be cool to workshop one of your introductions in the coming months.
Nice advice!✨
Thanks from the heart 🤍🌟
I love being dropped into the action when I read fiction, and I love doing this when I write my own. It gets me excited as a writer, as well as a reader.
#3 is underrated
Through people in the action
THIS is masterful, and the best! Thank you.
Thank you Teyani - was a fun one to write for sure.
Thank you for specific examples. Super helpful.
This is such useful advice, I can't wait to write my next opening sentence... but which one will I use? I am going to have fun choosing (but I secretly know I will be using all of them!)
Very informative. Now let's see if I can actually put this knowledge to good use.
I see myself in #3 and #4 :)
Michael, great piece thanks.
Point 6: I never considered using percentages in an intro. I did/do use dialogue. After reading this article, now I'm thinking about dialogue + percentages for an intro.
-
Guy on a phone;
"I want 75%.....No, You only paid for principal A, Now I want the same percentage on B. I know you have it. I even know where it's making money."
Thank you so much for this. And ditto on the highlighter feature. Dying for that as well.
Haha. I really appreciate that Keith.