"I accepted a commission that had been turned down by four other writers, but I was hungry at the time."
Dick Francis – Longshot
One of the things I like to do when I edit a book is to read books as similar as possible to the one I'm editing. I'm currently editing (hopefully for the last time) my novel Toe the Line. I felt it was worthwhile for me to read a book from one of my favorite authors while I did so. Ironically, I've been told that I need to spice up my opening chapter and engage the reader more. Longshot is not a big help in this endeavor.
Although this first sentence makes the reader wonder, "Why is the protagonist hungry?" and "Why did four other writers turn down the commission?" Those questions are eclipsed by the larger question of "Why do I care?"
What's more sad? The most intriguing aspect of the first chapter is wondering what a chicken and chutney sandwich that the main character eats in his agent's office tastes like. Not a good sign for my own novel. Although I will say, my opening few pages look outstanding in comparison!
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