Hi Mardy, Looking forward to seeing what you cooked up this year. Wanted to wish you and yours 'seasons greetings'. I'm thoroughly enjoying being totally 'out of the flow' over here in the middle of nowhere. Haven't heard even one single Christmas Carol....they usually are aired in July in shopping centers! Seriously, that's when I hear one or two - while shopping. Christmas and Chanukkah are generally non-entities here but the people do like a nice happy tune to shop by. Stay well, stay warm and see ya on Sunday. From 'south of Troy' take care.
Thanks, Arlene. After you read the 2024 list, let me know what you think. Very interesting to hear the tidbit about Christmas carols airing in July. Who woulda thunk it?
Hi again. I'm never really sure how to respond to a response but I think you will receive this re-reply. First, a confession...........I didn't read this year's 'first lines' - I'm getting brave and have found that I can LISTEN to them thereby saving my eyes for other things. And this year's first lines were exceptional. NOW all I need is to figure out how to find these books online (without breaking the bank to buy a Kindle or audio book subscription) and then I get to listen to them while working in the studio. Tickles me to do more than one productive thing at one time! Reading/crafting and/or painting... I need to listen again to the First Lines that particularly intrigued me and copy down the titles and authors. You did a great intro into these books. Thank you for all your wonderful efforts. If it weren't for you and my newest 'penpal' (thanks to your 'silent' introduction), I might be losing my ability to communicate in English! You certainly have brightened my 2024. Hoping for more of the same next year... Xronia Pola, Mutlu Yillar, and Happy New Year!!
Good morning, Mardy! I like P.J. Parrish's line that an opening is the book's soul. My opening doesn't qualify for your prestigious list, but I think it does express the soul of me. This is the first time I've ever delved into your Opening Lines, and I'm going to look at all the former years!
Yes, that Parrish quote is amazing, isn't it. I concur with your assessment of your opener, BTW. I think you will also enjoy my other end-of-year posts.
BEST OPENING LINE OF DECEMBER 26,2024 -- "On January 1, 2020, I launched www.GreatOpeningLines.com, history’s first website devoted exclusively to the celebration of great opening lines in world literature. "
Nice to listen to your posts too. Haven't figured out how to do it for all messages but give me time. If I can come up with a really good first line, while my batteries still have 'juice' I think I should write my book of short stories. But you know what the big problem is???????? a book of short stories requires A LOT OF first lines!! I can't even write the first one!! LOL
I'm not sure if you know it, but my website has a complete page devoted to opening lines of short stories (currently with 133 entries): https://greatopeninglines.com/short-stories/
PS previously when I said I'm never sure how to 'respond to a response' here in the comment section, what I was trying to say was I'm not familiar with my way around this new site. I'm a cyberdummy when it comes to technology so it's all 'trial and error'. So far, you're getting my messages. Fingers crossed that I don't delete anything important.
Hi Mardy, Looking forward to seeing what you cooked up this year. Wanted to wish you and yours 'seasons greetings'. I'm thoroughly enjoying being totally 'out of the flow' over here in the middle of nowhere. Haven't heard even one single Christmas Carol....they usually are aired in July in shopping centers! Seriously, that's when I hear one or two - while shopping. Christmas and Chanukkah are generally non-entities here but the people do like a nice happy tune to shop by. Stay well, stay warm and see ya on Sunday. From 'south of Troy' take care.
Thanks, Arlene. After you read the 2024 list, let me know what you think. Very interesting to hear the tidbit about Christmas carols airing in July. Who woulda thunk it?
Hi again. I'm never really sure how to respond to a response but I think you will receive this re-reply. First, a confession...........I didn't read this year's 'first lines' - I'm getting brave and have found that I can LISTEN to them thereby saving my eyes for other things. And this year's first lines were exceptional. NOW all I need is to figure out how to find these books online (without breaking the bank to buy a Kindle or audio book subscription) and then I get to listen to them while working in the studio. Tickles me to do more than one productive thing at one time! Reading/crafting and/or painting... I need to listen again to the First Lines that particularly intrigued me and copy down the titles and authors. You did a great intro into these books. Thank you for all your wonderful efforts. If it weren't for you and my newest 'penpal' (thanks to your 'silent' introduction), I might be losing my ability to communicate in English! You certainly have brightened my 2024. Hoping for more of the same next year... Xronia Pola, Mutlu Yillar, and Happy New Year!!
You listened to them! How cool! The whole concept had never even occurred to me. I'm delighted to learn that they delighted you!
Good morning, Mardy! I like P.J. Parrish's line that an opening is the book's soul. My opening doesn't qualify for your prestigious list, but I think it does express the soul of me. This is the first time I've ever delved into your Opening Lines, and I'm going to look at all the former years!
Yes, that Parrish quote is amazing, isn't it. I concur with your assessment of your opener, BTW. I think you will also enjoy my other end-of-year posts.
BEST OPENING LINE OF DECEMBER 26,2024 -- "On January 1, 2020, I launched www.GreatOpeningLines.com, history’s first website devoted exclusively to the celebration of great opening lines in world literature. "
Thanks, Louis, you're a good and kind man!
Nice to listen to your posts too. Haven't figured out how to do it for all messages but give me time. If I can come up with a really good first line, while my batteries still have 'juice' I think I should write my book of short stories. But you know what the big problem is???????? a book of short stories requires A LOT OF first lines!! I can't even write the first one!! LOL
I'm not sure if you know it, but my website has a complete page devoted to opening lines of short stories (currently with 133 entries): https://greatopeninglines.com/short-stories/
PS previously when I said I'm never sure how to 'respond to a response' here in the comment section, what I was trying to say was I'm not familiar with my way around this new site. I'm a cyberdummy when it comes to technology so it's all 'trial and error'. So far, you're getting my messages. Fingers crossed that I don't delete anything important.
You seem to be doing just fine, my dear Arlene.
The best of the best, is the opening line of my comment about Mardy's extraordinary offerings.
Thanks, Blayney. That is very kind of you!
Loves the Best Opening Lines edition. Makes me want to read every single one of them.
Thanks, Greta. I feel the same way when I come across a GOL! It's a blessing and a curse!
I was going to write the same thing as Greta! Thank you for a great selection!!
Apparently, the great minds of great subscribers do think alike! Thanks for the kind words, my dear friend.