She wrote a whole post about it HERE!
In a nutshell, she studied the first two paragraphs of 38 YA contemporary novels, 15 YA paranormal novels, and 16 winning YA entries from past MSFV Secret agent contests (did I mention she loves research?).
Based on the results, she came to this conclusion:
The first two paragraphs that made her want to read more involved a combination of introspection and action.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffJDcjdSzPWKKeRa2lsPvU0SH8ARt7vy2A0FBef6G5j0twvPLiEc8z9sjiv-HSxNen1VBDWfluJvZuOQVgIpakCsAkffIxJygsLGP_6ZRoo15yS6CMhblbmuDZb1UH4zA-Lb2mRAB_c0/s400/Scooby-gang-1969.jpg)
Whoa. Hold the phone.
So I looked at all of my opening paragraphs and lo and behold: I had some INTROSPECTION. Which is not surprising--I am a little heavy on it sometimes.
SO it got me thinking.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3xmwJOrxCuL-v4phiP-Z3XHLMRkNqa49VoCzY4sHYZVFfuQ5aETjDFI7VnyoDtsxrbFa7yXeXpI9gTut6jtQvQF16ON-FCIjr_AbDFuvsN9o2SqJhO2Sh7ApzhRD-4i4ZMHZ80jcKhs/s400/Twilight-Thingys-Top-10-Rob-s-Funny-faces-twilight-series-7450684-300-300.jpg)
(yes, really, RPatz) :D
Why don't we analyze openings here, on this blog? Say, the first 50-75 words of manuscripts. If you want yours analyzed (anonymously), send it to me! I know Stina will pipe in too. Did I tell you how hard she rocks?
Let's discuss!
ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!
9 comments:
Thank God Stina lets us copy her homework. I'd totally love an analysis. If I can get my act together and get ready for work, I'll send it this morning!
Hmm. Interesting.
Mine is too well known, I think, to be considered anonymous, but I may play along anyway.
Awesome idea of studying openings. I've done something similar, but never just with the openings. Hmmm...
Wow how exciting!!!! I'm working on a new novel but once I get a great beginning I see no problem in shooting it over to have people look at it!
Gina, I know, right? Stina is AWESOME! Matt, I guess I don't know your opening (just your query)!
I love this idea, Christina!!!! And I only know Matt's query. I've never seen his first 50-75 words. (So you can't get out of this Matt!)
Very interesting! I would love to have my opening analyzed... As soon as I post this comment I'm going to go hunt your your email address :)
Also, I like the word introspection. I guess I've always known that word exists, but lately I've been calling it "talking to yourself" lol
Wow...talk about incentive to get a person writing. :D
Wow lots of people emailing me their words--keep it coming!
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