Are you ready to unlock the secret to crafting a thrilling first line that will captivate your readers from the very start? In this article, we unveil the art of crafting that perfect opener, as shared by none other than best-selling author Lee Child. If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Jack Reacher series so addictive, or how to create a magnetic first line that leaves your audience hungry for more, this is your chance to dive into the mind of a master storyteller. Lee Child’s invaluable tips and real-world examples will guide you in writing a short, intriguing, and empathetic first line that sets your thriller on a trajectory toward success.
If you’re a fan of thrillers, you’ve probably dived into Lee Child’s gripping Jack Reacher series. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide and two blockbuster movies starring Tom Cruise, it’s safe to say his books are a phenomenon. But what’s the secret sauce that keeps us coming back for more? According to Lee Child, it’s all about that very first line.
Picture this: the opening sentence of your novel is the literary equivalent of a first impression. It’s your chance to hook the reader, set the tone, and make them feel invested. It’s where you sow the seeds of suspense, curiosity, and empathy for your main character. In essence, it’s the magic potion that makes your book unputdownable.
Now, let’s delve into Lee Child’s tips and tricks, shared in a video on BBC Maestro, where he spills the beans on crafting that perfect thriller starter. In this article, we’re going to break down his wisdom and illustrate it with examples from his own work.
Keep it Short and Sweet
Lee Child advocates for brevity. He aims to keep his first lines under 10 words, preferably fewer than five. Why? Because shorter lines are more potent, more memorable, and they leave room for your reader’s imagination to roam.
Take a peek at his first line from “Persuader”: “The cop climbed out of his car exactly four minutes before he got shot.” Just 11 words long, yet it’s a powerhouse of information and intrigue. It tells us there’s a cop, a car, a looming shooting, and a ticking clock. Questions swarm our minds: Who shot the cop? Why? How did the shooter know when to strike? What’s coming next?
In “Bad Luck and Trouble,” he goes even shorter: “Jack Reacher was alone in the dark.” A mere six words, but it paints a vivid picture and ignites curiosity. Jack Reacher, alone in the dark—why? What’s he up to? Is he in danger, or is he hiding?
Make it Intriguing
Your first line must be a mystery that beckons readers to uncover the answers. Whether it’s an explicit or implicit question, it should tug at their curiosity strings.
For instance, from “Killing Floor”: “I was arrested in Eno’s diner.” Just six words, yet it grips us instantly. Who’s this narrator? Why were they arrested? What’s the deal with Eno’s diner?
Or consider “One Shot”: “People say that knowledge is power.” In a mere five words, it hints at themes and tone. Knowledge and power, but what kind? Who are these people and what wisdom do they possess? It’s the perfect hook.
Infuse Empathy
Empathy is your secret weapon. Your first line should make readers care about your main character, eager to join them on their journey. You can create empathy by making your character relatable, vulnerable, or admirable.
In “The Midnight Line,” Lee Child weaves connection into eight words: “Jack Reacher and Michelle Chang spent three days in Milwaukee.” It hints at intimacy between Jack Reacher and Michelle Chang during their time in Milwaukee. Who are these characters? What’s their story? Are they still together?
And from “Make Me”: “Moving a guy as big as Keever wasn’t easy.” Eight words again, but they ignite tension and danger. Who’s this giant Keever? How did he meet his end? Who’s moving him, and where are they taking him?
Learn from the Masters
Lee Child recommends learning from other authors’ first lines. Great opening lines are all around us, waiting to inspire and teach us how to craft our own.
Consider classics like George Orwell’s “1984”: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” It immerses us in a dystopian world where time itself is under control. How can clocks strike thirteen? What does it mean for those living in this eerie reality?
Or Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick”: “Call me Ishmael.” Simple, direct, and inviting, it introduces the narrator and beckons us into the adventure. Who’s Ishmael? What’s his tale? Why should we call him by his name?
And who can forget Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” It cleverly sets the stage for a story about marriage, wealth, and social norms. Is this truth really universal? Who are these single men, and who’s in pursuit of them?
Experiment and Seek Feedback
Writing a captivating first line isn’t easy, but it’s exhilarating. Lee Child often crafts multiple first lines for each book and selects the best. He tests them on friends and family for feedback. A great first line should make readers ask, “What happens next?” or “Why did that happen?” or “Who is this person?”
So, if you’re aiming to craft a thriller that ensnares your readers from the get-go, follow Lee Child’s advice. Keep it short, make it intriguing, infuse empathy, study the masters, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, your first line is the spark that ignites the fire of your story. Have fun with it.
Damian Vargas's author blog 