Beginnings can be really hard. In literature, you have that opening line, that hook. Stephen King said it best: “An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.” There have been a great many iconic first lines, like those of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, and Stephen King’s The Gunslinger (a personal favorite). I’ve always felt like I struggled with crafting a good opening line. Looking back, there has been a dud or two. Most of the time, I argue with myself on where in the story to start. These characters don’t just pop up out of nowhere; before my fingertips dance on the keyboard, they have lived a life. Granted, I may not know the extent of that life, but they have lived nonetheless. To plop the reader in, give them the viewfinder, and ask them to watch the goings on, there needs to be bait on the hook.
Beginnings can be terrifying. On the page or in life, that unknown sometimes can stop a person from trying at all. I can attest to that. This project has me scared to death. What if no one bothers to come here? What if this all falls on deaf ears? So thank you for being here. Even if you don’t read anything else here, thank you for stopping by. Thank you for witnessing my beginning. And if you stick around, thank you even more.
Beginnings can be exhilarating. Starting something new and seeing the endless possibilities ahead can sometimes be the best feeling in the world. The hype is very real, as the kids say. There is just so much excitement to start a project, it becomes all you think about. You plan and prepare, trying to make everything perfect.
As I write this, I’m kind of there right now. I’m caught in between scared shitless and eager. I’ve posted my writing online before, I used to post to a site called Booksie all the time a decade ago, but this is a huge step for me. I’ve never had a place to call my own for my writing. So, here we are. Welcome, and enjoy!
Tyler Gohde 