Are you up for the challenge?
From a great opening line to an intriguing character, snappy dialogue to an enticing setting, how will you get the editor to take notice, put down her coffee and clear her appointments for the rest of the day? Do you have what it takes to immediately captivate your readers and plunge them into your story?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Don’t get bogged down in eloquence. Just start writing your story. You can finesse your words later.
- Make sure your romance starts in an exciting place. No “info dump” or scene that could easily be pitched. The characters should be moving somehow, even if they’re actively grappling with a dilemma.
- Describe the physical elements of your setting and characters. Immerse us in the story.
- Remember that this opening page is a way to hook your reader. Show us what you’ve got! Great opening lines can live forever.
- Characterization is essential in a romance novel. Show the hero or heroine through action, dialogue, point of view—or all of the above. Make us have to take their journey with them.
Send us your first page at ucanwrite@harlequin.ca by 10:00 a.m. EST today (Monday, September 14, 2015)! In the subject heading, be sure to write: SYTYCW: First Page Challenge. A group of expert editors will randomly select five entries and get to work reading!
The randomly selected first pages and our critiques will appear on the website at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15.
Oh, and before you get started, here are a few things to remember:
- One entry per person, and please only from people who haven’t been published by Harlequin Enterprises before.
- And just keep in mind that by sending this in, you’re giving permission for the material to appear on our website.
- Good luck!
Join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #SYTYCW15, and follow @HarlequinSYTYCW.
2 replies on “Today’s Challenge: The First Page”
Looking forward to the feedback!
Where do we find the five pages that won a critique?
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!