How Not to Start a Novel:

Four Things to Avoid on Page One

I really had to stop and read this. After all, have I made a similar good in the start of my latest novel? The very first recommendation caused me to go back and check mine out. Here it is:

Well? Did I get it or not? Remember, this takes place in 1742, if that helps.

Anyhow, read more of this very good piece @ http://www.thepassivevoice.com/07/2014/how-not-to-start-a-novel-four-things-to-avoid-on-page-one/

 

'We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold.'

 

Nice

 

"It was love at first sight. The first time Yossarian saw the chaplain, he fell madly in
love with him."

 

"THE YEAR 1866 was signalised by a remarkable incident, a mysterious and puzzling phenomenon, which doubtless no one has yet forgotten. Not to mention
rumours which agitated the maritime population and excited the public mind, even in the interior of continents, seafaring men were particularly excited. Merchants, common sailors, captains of vessels, skippers, both of Europe and America, naval officers of all countries, and
the Governments of several States on the two continents,were deeply interested in the matter."