Morning From Last Book

Since I was in the mood for morning quotes (see HERE), I saw this one from the last book I read . . . And thought it would be worthwhile to pop it in here.

I love these quotes, whether they are on mornings (see HERE) or first lines (see HERE) or last lines (see HERE), or any others (see HERE) because they make me realize how much goes into each line, that they aren’t just throw-away lines, or quick writing. 

Did Dick Francis want to imply that his main character was struggling to make an effort like the heater? Did he include the word “shivering” because he wanted to imply a sinister air?

I normally would have said no, but after having written three of my own novels (see HERE) and one collection of short stories I know how important each word is. I know that themes can be put into the narrative for a purpose without the reader noticing until that second or third reading. 

For example . . . For those fans who have read Vapor Trail (see HERE) . . . Did you know that I cover all of Dante’s circles of hell? The character slowly descends through each circle without the reader seeming to notice? There are clues . . . The obvious, like when Jensen can’t stop eating (gluttony) or the wind shifting the trees signifying lust, or the treachery at the end of the story. It’s all there for those that want to see it. Those that don’t look for it miss it. 

That’s why I love these lines, they force the reader to read a tad deeper.