Jenny Knipfer–Author

In a book on writing inspiration and advice from writers, A Light in the Dark, I read one chapter by the wildly popular author, Stephen King, on starting a story well with the opening lines. I’ve not read any of his books, because I do not care for the horror genre, of which most of his titles can be grouped into. However, the fact that he’s sold so many books says something about his work, so I read what he had to say.

He talked about revealing the heart of a novel in the opening sentence or sentences. A reader should get a taste of what might happen and the theme or direction the story might traverse to get to the crux of the plot from the opening lines of a novel. Although I read his tip after I’d written the books in my By the Light of the Moon series, I think I achieved this, for the most part. 

You be the judge:

Below are the opening lines of the four books in my series. Can you get a taste of how the story will unfold in each? 

Ruby Moon:

I see the moon, and I imagine the moon sees me—every hidden part. The blood red of a ruby is reflected upon its surface. It appears like a floating jewel, fit for a queen.

Blue Moon:

“Come. We must be quiet.” I motion to the lad as I kneel next to his bed.

“Is this part of our game?” Luis looks up at me. His sleepy eyes appear to hold doubt that his auntie wants to play at this hour.

“Oui, but we must be quiet. Yes? Juliet, Maman, and Papa will not understand.”

Silver Moon:

The door between death and life is so thin. I could melt into the passageway as easily as floating on water. It is a place just one step away from drowning. I could be buoyant and breathing one minute, then not. Death’s door becoming a fluid birth.

Harvest Moon:

My mother always said that one day I’d get ripped open by my stubbornness, and she was right. It’s my fool, stubborn heart which led to Ignacio’s banishment and will most likely lead to mine.

What do you think? 

Did my first few lines pull you in and make you want to read more? Did they reveal what the story will be about? Let me know in the comments. 

Thanks for reading! Blessings, J

Giveaway!!!

This week, Prism Book Tours is hosting a bookstagram tour for my latest book, Silver Moon. Check out their giveaway post on Instagram @prisimbooktours. Click on the button to read an interview with me, the synopsis of the book, and the book tour schedule.