by Shutta Crum (from Thanksgiving 2011)
Storystorm is about beginnings—first ideas, first notes, and then, hopefully, first drafts from the exciting tidbits we’ve jotted down during the month. While thinking about beginnings I remembered one of my first writing classes: high school journalism. I don’t remember much from the class except that a good lead should always include the answers to four important questions: the 4 Ws. These are: who, what, where, and when. After a good lead, we were taught the story could move on into the details of how, or why.
Good leads are something that the news reader doesn’t really notice, but are crucial to keeping the reader’s attention. They quickly dispense with niggly concerns and important facts so the reader can settle into the story. It is a technique every picture book writer ought to know.
Answering those four questions right up front in any story tucks the reader in. However, as with many aspects of writing the picture book, the writer for the very young has to do it faster, with fewer words, and sometimes in verse!
Better than hearing this from me—and more fun—is studying how some of our best picture book writers, and illustrators, do it. Below are some of my favorite examples, in prose and in verse.
(Prose) Rosemary Wells, from MAX’S CHOCOLATE CHICKEN.
“One morning somebody put a chocolate chicken in the birdbath.”
Let’s parse this opening line. When: one morning. Who: somebody. (We also see a picture of that somebody—Poppa?) What: put a chocolate chicken. Where: in the birdbath. (And what a great hook for a young child! Why would someone do that?)
(Verse) Karma Wilson, from BEAR SNORES ON.
“In a cave in the woods
in his deep, dark lair,
through the long, cold winter
sleeps a great brown bear.”
Where: in a cave in the woods in a deep dark lair. When: through the long cold winter. What: sleeps. Who: a great brown bear. (And she did all this with perfect meter! Note: be sure to read Karma’s earlier post, on Nov. 2nd.)
Of course, we are blessed by the illustrations in our picture books. In addition to everything else they do so well, the art carries a great deal of this initial informational load. If the setting is a farm, we see that and it may not be mentioned at all in the text. If it is nighttime, or winter, or the main character is a bear . . . these may, also, not be directly mentioned. If it is not said in the text, it is then incumbent on the illustrator to add that context. Look at Jane Yolen’s Caldecott-winning book, illustrated by John Schoenherr.
(Free verse) Jane Yolen, from OWL MOON.
“It was late one winter night,
long past my bedtime,
when Pa and I went owling.”
When: late one winter night, long past my bedtime. Who: Pa and I. What: went owling. There is no mention of where . . . that is covered by the beautiful farm scene in the illustration.
Occasionally, leaving out more than one of these details may actually enhance the story by focusing the reader’s attention on another detail that may be of more importance. For example, study Jon Klassen’s new book I WANT MY HAT BACK. There is no where indicated (except for a few rocks and sprigs of grass). Nor, even a when. Who and what are of prime importance. (Who: I. What: Want my hat back.) Against almost completely blank pages readers really notice those eyes on the bear and the rabbit. The facial expressions are subtle, yet so important for understanding the story. In an intensely illustrated background, the significance of those looks might get lost. We assume it is some place where there are bears and rabbits and other animals. And the when is unimportant. As in all things, once you know the rules you also know when it may be best to break them.
(Prose) Jon Klassen. From I WANT MY HAT BACK.
“My hat is gone.
I want it back.”
So study first lines for how good writers quickly dispense with the basic questions any reader has about the world of the story. Then once you’ve tucked your readers in, you can lead them on to discover the answers to those other two important questions: how the story unfolds and why.
Shutta Crum is the author of several middle-grade novels, more than a dozen picture books, and many poems and magazine articles. She adores speaking about children’s books and is an oft-requested presenter, guest lecturer, panel moderator, and keynote speaker. Her latest picture book is MOUSELING’S WORDS (Clarion). It’s her auto-mouse-biography—about a mouse who becomes a swashbuckler of words. The idea came from one of Tara’s Storystorm (PiBoIdMo) challenges. Thanks Tara for challenging us!
You can follow Shutta on her blog & website at shutta.com, on Twitter @Shutta and on Facebook here.
At the conclusion of Storystorm, prize packs will be given away (books, swag, writing tools). Comment once on this blog post to enter into the prize pack drawing.
You’re eligible to win if you’re a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below.
Good luck!
535 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 16, 2019 at 9:36 am
jheitman22
What great advice served up with great examples! Thanks, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 9:36 am
Elizabeth Steinglass
Thank you! This is very helpful.
January 16, 2019 at 9:39 am
Katie Engen
You had me at ‘Storystorm is about beginnings – …tidbits we’ve jotted down over the month.’ The Ws all present and accounted for!
January 16, 2019 at 9:40 am
Amy Houts
Love these examples! And your clear instruction. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 9:41 am
Jane Dippold
Great advice to pull a reader right in to a story! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 9:42 am
Writer on the run
Thanks Shutta! Great reminder to save the backstory and dive into the point of the story. Good advice!
January 16, 2019 at 9:42 am
pathaap
I love a first line that piques my curiosity. Thanks for the reminder of how important those lines are, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 9:42 am
Barbara Senenman
Love this. Must look at this in other books and in my own writing. Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 9:43 am
naturewalkwithgod
What a great reminder to rely on the basics, know the rules, and know how to use those rules effectively. Thank you for the great examples. — Kim
January 16, 2019 at 9:46 am
Laura Rackham
Today’s job…redo all my opening lines!
January 16, 2019 at 9:46 am
David McMullin
I can’t wait to go through my stories and see how I’m doing.
January 16, 2019 at 9:46 am
June Sengpiehl
A wonderful post with such good examples of the importance of good beginnings.
January 16, 2019 at 9:47 am
Louann Brown
Great tip! Thanks for your post. (I love it when folks give examples!)
January 16, 2019 at 9:48 am
Joana Pastro
Hi Shuta! I love exploring first lines (and last ones too), and your examples are fantastic. Thanks for guiding us through the 4 Ws process! ❤️
January 16, 2019 at 9:49 am
storyfairy
Nice post. This is an interesting way of looking at picture books.
January 16, 2019 at 9:49 am
Melanie Ellsworth
I like the idea of studying first lines!
January 16, 2019 at 9:49 am
Linda Mitchell
I love Bear Snores On! A wonderful post with solid advice. What I like most is that I can share this advice with my middle school writers or my adult crit group. Thanks for sharing your talent with SS today.
January 16, 2019 at 9:50 am
andreesantini
This morning, sitting on my chair ball and checking my email, I’m grateful for this tip to first answer who, what, where when. Thanks
January 16, 2019 at 9:53 am
Lori Dubbin
My new writing goal: “tuck the reader in” with a good lead and attention getting Ws.
January 16, 2019 at 9:54 am
Daryl Gottier
One morning great advice came flowing from my laptop! Thanks Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 9:54 am
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
Thank you, Shutta. A good post to read at the start of my day. I love to learn from the masters and now I can examine carefully with this in mind & revise my own texts to keep these Ws in mind. I like noticing the rulebreaking too and then thinking about why it works for that book. Happy Mouseling Swashbuckling debut!
January 16, 2019 at 10:00 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you again Shutta. Great advice to read, and read…and to disect.
Thank you for posting.
January 16, 2019 at 10:00 am
KATHY Z.PRICE
Thanks for today’s inspiration Shutta
January 16, 2019 at 10:01 am
Jenny Boyd
Thanks for this! (And in a world full of firsts, here’s to…hopefully…first publications!)
January 16, 2019 at 10:02 am
Lisa Freund
This is so helpful! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 10:03 am
Ashley Congdon
I remember learning in school about who, where, what, and when. Why, would also be included depending on the assignment. It’s so simple, but makes sense in setting up the story.
January 16, 2019 at 10:03 am
lindaschueler
Awesome! I am going to start analyzing first lines.
January 16, 2019 at 10:03 am
Carole Calladine
Thank you Shutta for reminding us about the four Ws and the importance of the first line to engage readers.
January 16, 2019 at 10:04 am
Cindy Faughnan
Great thing to look at!
January 16, 2019 at 10:05 am
Jay
What fantastic advice! Thank you
January 16, 2019 at 10:05 am
narmo2400
First lines are the hardest to get right. Thank you Shutta for laying some thoughtful approaches to help.
January 16, 2019 at 10:05 am
beckylevine
Great idea! Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 10:05 am
Hélène Sabourin
Good starting point. Thank you
January 16, 2019 at 10:06 am
Clare Juliet Clare Bell
Thank you for your first lines thoughts…
January 16, 2019 at 10:06 am
SARAH Meade
Love to study first lines. Thanks for this post!
January 16, 2019 at 10:07 am
Darcee A Freier
I love the ‘tuck the reader in’ visual. Thanks for the great advice with examples!
January 16, 2019 at 10:10 am
smpeace
Great examples!
January 16, 2019 at 10:10 am
Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2)
This is such a great idea – for my students as well! Many are having difficulty describing characters and settings – but if they start with it in the lead – it may help if fall into place! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 10:11 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Wow, Shutta, what a great post. Back to basics is always good. I really like your choices. All of those books are winners. Now, to go back and look at my openings in light of this reminder.
January 16, 2019 at 10:14 am
Genevieve Petrillo
I absolutely love the idea of tucking the reader into the story. Mom always tucks me into bed with her. It’s sweet… But by midnight, she says, “Shove over, chubby. How can a 23 pound dog take up so much room?!” Less sweet….
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 16, 2019 at 10:15 am
Andria Rosenbaum
Thanks for showing us how to anchor our stories, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 10:15 am
carmelamccainsimmons
I lived writing for my high school newspaper, but until now, never thought of applying the gold standard for opening lines to my children’s stories. I need to review two stories I’ve written using this lens. Thank you so much for sharing!
January 16, 2019 at 10:17 am
Joan Swanson
I remember my Language Arts teacher also reminding us of the 4 W’s. Thanks for reminding me of an easy way to include everything into the picture book!
January 16, 2019 at 10:19 am
Becky Ross Michael
Thanks for the reminders of some great books! The Jon Klassen one is new to me, and I’ll have to check into that one!
January 16, 2019 at 10:19 am
Maria Bostian
Love this idea. Will be looking at opening lines and trying to write stronger ones. Thanks for the great post!
January 16, 2019 at 10:19 am
Deb Huard, Writer
A great tip that should be taught again and again. Thank you for the post.
January 16, 2019 at 10:20 am
Catrine Kyster
Nice way to start when you don’t know how to start.
January 16, 2019 at 10:20 am
thecrowsmap
This is amazingly helpful — and so simple! Thanks for the repost:)
January 16, 2019 at 10:20 am
Michele Meleen
I love how all the Storystorm guest bloggers boil everything down to simple lines we can all remember! Thanks for sharing 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 10:21 am
saputnam
Great post, Shutta!! Thank you for reminding us about the four W’s and the importance of “tucking the reader in” with our opening line.
January 16, 2019 at 10:21 am
C.L. Murphy
Remarkable first lines are truly an art form. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 10:26 am
Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll)
Beginnings are so tough. This is a great look at how to approach them.
January 16, 2019 at 10:27 am
shiela Fuller
Love your examples. Has me all ready thinking what I need to do on my next ms. TY
January 16, 2019 at 10:27 am
Joan Longstaff
The 4W’s is my new mantra for starting a book … thank you Shutta for this great post on the art of opening lines and getting the reader into the story really quickly.
January 16, 2019 at 10:29 am
Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer
I’m off to my picture book collection to read those opening lines. Your post was eye-opening and inspiring. Many thanks.
January 16, 2019 at 10:29 am
Sharron Magyar
Thank you for the reminder of reader basics and the beautiful book illustrations. It is always good to get advice from gifted writers.
January 16, 2019 at 10:30 am
tanjabauerle
Thank you for a great post. It is great to be reminded about the 4 W’s plus the importance of first lines. Nice! T
January 16, 2019 at 10:30 am
Sylvia Grech
Shutta, this was an extremely helpful article. I already know which stories I’ve already written that need editing. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 10:31 am
Jacqueline Adams
These examples are perfect for driving home the point. You’ve got me thinking about my works-in-progress (not only PBs) and whether or not I’m tucking in the reader.
January 16, 2019 at 10:31 am
Nora Fry
Super helpful, thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 10:32 am
Pamela Harrison
Thank you for this important post! I’ve got some revisions to do!
January 16, 2019 at 10:32 am
Joanna Rowland
Love your examples of analyzing text. This will be fun to play with.
January 16, 2019 at 10:33 am
rgstones
Thanks for this post. Beginnings are so important!
January 16, 2019 at 10:35 am
angie9091
I love the examples! They illusutrate your point so well.
January 16, 2019 at 10:35 am
Rebecca Colby
Another inspiring post, Shutta! Thank you for this advice!
January 16, 2019 at 10:35 am
Kathy Halsey
Shutta, good to see this post form the past again. I’ve been mulling over a beginning that doesn’t ground the reader w/setting. This postwar perfectly timed. TY.
January 16, 2019 at 10:36 am
polly renner
Thanks, Shutta, for the picture book story breakdown! Great detective work:>
January 16, 2019 at 10:37 am
Jane Serpa
Remembering the basics is good. Thank you for sharing.
January 16, 2019 at 10:38 am
Cortney Benvenuto
First lines! Thanks for sharing and for the examples…very helpful.
January 16, 2019 at 10:39 am
Aimee
Ah-ha! The W’s. What a great reminder of their importance using some outstanding book. Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 10:40 am
Susan Nicholas Korstanje
Great examples! I plan to use your basics to help me revise a story. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 10:40 am
thelmakat
Your examples are wonderful and very helpful! Thanks, Shutta, for sharing!
January 16, 2019 at 10:44 am
authoryvonafast
Thank you, Shutta, for your encouragement to study the first lines (and the endings, and the middles) of picture books to improve our writing.
January 16, 2019 at 10:47 am
Janice Woods
Love this! Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2019 at 10:48 am
jeanjames926
This post is just excellent! I love the examples, and journalistic references. I found a lot of inspiration today. Thank you so much Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 10:49 am
Aimee Isaac
Oooo. This is like prescription medicine for my WIPs! Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 10:53 am
Angie
Some of my favorite books! Excellent examples. Thanks so much!
January 16, 2019 at 10:58 am
Therese Kay
Great examples of answering the 4 Ws!
January 16, 2019 at 10:59 am
Barbara Farr Renner
Using what you learned in journalism about Who, What, When, and Where is a great idea for beginning books. I appreciated you including examples – they are some of my favorite books.
January 16, 2019 at 11:01 am
Andrea MacDonald
As a former reporter, I should have thought of this long ago! Can’t wait to borrow this technique for PBs. Thank you, Shutta.
January 16, 2019 at 11:02 am
Mary Lou
I’m going to check my 2 manuscript drafts immediately for strong leads. I really appreciate the sharing of this great information!
January 16, 2019 at 11:02 am
triciacandy
Such a good reminder. thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 11:02 am
ktfrawley11gmailcom
I’ve fallen a bit behind this week. But today’s post inspired TWO new ideas. Now I’m only 3 ideas away from being right on track. Thanks, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 11:02 am
Hank Dallago
I specially took to heart your line: “As in all things, once you know the rules you also know when it may be best to break them.” That one line, along with your supporting details, will be invaluable in my writing. Thank you Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 11:03 am
mona861
Of course, the basics…so why do we forget?!?!?! Thanks for the reminder, Shutta. I’m glad that this came back to keep reminding us to “tuck in the reader” right up front so we can take them on the adventure.
January 16, 2019 at 11:09 am
Cynthia Hawthorne
Ah mentor texts. Where would we be without them? Thank you for sharing, Shutta.
January 16, 2019 at 11:10 am
Celeste Bocchicchio-Chaudhri
Great tip on starting at the beginning and studying published authors to how they include that crucial info.
January 16, 2019 at 11:13 am
Jennifer Bower
I love hearing about StoryStorm (PiBoIdMo) ideas that turned successful. It gives me great hope. Thanks for the inspiring and informative post!
January 16, 2019 at 11:19 am
Krista Harrington
Thanks, Shutta!
This is great advice. I’ll be looking for the 4 “W’s” early in my pb mss.
January 16, 2019 at 11:21 am
betlw
Great tip, Shutta. Now I’m going back to reread the beginnings of all my stories to make sure they have all that is needed. Terrific post!
January 16, 2019 at 11:21 am
Cheryl Johnson
Great reminder!
January 16, 2019 at 11:23 am
Kimberly
Thank you for this post! I just revised the beginning of my “final” version of my manuscript. 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 11:25 am
Erica Joseph
Very helpful! Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 11:27 am
Debbi G
Thanks! Great examples.
January 16, 2019 at 11:27 am
Debra Katz
Great suggestion and examples. I will take a look at some picture books and dissect the beginnings – and take a look at some of my own manuscripts to see how I answered these questions.
January 16, 2019 at 11:27 am
matthewlasley
Brilliant! I am using this with my students today!
January 16, 2019 at 11:29 am
Heather Stigall
Thanks for the reminder of the important elements to include right away. Excuse me while I go off to brainstorm some first lines!
January 16, 2019 at 11:30 am
mlflannigan
Thank you – I really appreciated your post today. 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 11:31 am
Mary Jane
Thanks Shutta. Good advice. Great books mentioned here!
January 16, 2019 at 11:36 am
ssafra22
Thank you Shutta! I have always found first lines the best and worst part of the writing process. You’ve definitely given me some things to think about. And thanks for the book ideas too. 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 11:38 am
Elizabeth W Saba
Thanks for breaking down the examples Shutta. Very helpful.
January 16, 2019 at 11:39 am
nrompella
Thanks for this. It just might get me unstuck today!
January 16, 2019 at 11:42 am
Lisa Billa
Thanks! This is just what some of my Storystorm ideas need.
January 16, 2019 at 11:44 am
jenabenton
I love this! I’m now going to study all my picture books’ first lines! Great idea.
January 16, 2019 at 11:44 am
Melissa Mwai
Really helpful. I’m in the process of revising my first line of a manuscript before sending it to agent. I’m looking forward to trying this myself.
January 16, 2019 at 11:45 am
nataliecohn0258
This idea helps me out a lot. I am going to use it.
January 16, 2019 at 11:46 am
Carrie Kruck
Love seeing the rules and how to break the rules!
January 16, 2019 at 11:49 am
rimna
Thanks, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 11:50 am
Susan Johnston
Great ideas! Thanks, Shutta.
January 16, 2019 at 11:51 am
Barb Ostapina
Thanks for LEADING us in the right direction, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 11:51 am
judyrubin13
Thank you, Shutta, for sharing your use of who, what, when, and where in story development and analysis. Brilliant!
January 16, 2019 at 11:52 am
Paula Puckett
Great suggestions as I begin to expand ideas this Storystorm has generated.
Thank youuuu…!
January 16, 2019 at 11:56 am
Juliana Jones
Thanks for reminding us about the basics of the 4 W’s that come before how and why. So simple, but not!
January 16, 2019 at 11:57 am
moviemommie
What a useful and fun post! Thanks
January 16, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Sarah Hetu-Radny
This is a great idea . Thank you for sharing ! I am going to use the who-what-when-where when I think-up my next story! Sarah
January 16, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Maritza M. Mejía
Excellent post and great advice. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Antje
Great reminder. Thanks for breaking down the examples for us.
January 16, 2019 at 12:09 pm
geobonni
Good reminder.
January 16, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Poppy P
Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 12:14 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Very helpful post
January 16, 2019 at 12:15 pm
ptnozell
Thanks for the reminder to cover the 4 Ws right at the start of the story.
January 16, 2019 at 12:15 pm
MD Knabb
All the important info up front. That’s a great tip, Shutta.
January 16, 2019 at 12:20 pm
Anjali Amit
The 4 Ws. Thank you for showing us, with examples, the importance of giving our reader this information before we plunge into the story.
January 16, 2019 at 12:22 pm
mariaordish
So true! Thanks again, Shutta, for an amazing post. First lines are so important. I’m working with my child on reading comprehension and test taking….learning W’s up front is crucial for him to then process the plot.
January 16, 2019 at 12:23 pm
Sheri Radovich
Wow, getting all the 4 Ws in the first sentence. I need to re-read all my manuscripts for this.
January 16, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Meli Glickman
Oh those all-important Ws… such a helpful reminder! Many thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Dea Brayden
So helpful! Thanks for the terrific examples too.
January 16, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Krista Maxwell
Thanks for the reminder to pay attention to the basics.
January 16, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
Excellent advice for openings. Simple but so helpful and powerful. Thanks, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Debra K Shumaker
Ah, great post!
January 16, 2019 at 12:34 pm
Lori Alexander
A great reminder. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Garnett Natasha
Today, thank you, Shutta and Tara, for the post from the past. My grown daughter and I were just talking last night about Rosemary Wells and Max’s Chocolate Chicken. Such a great opening line!
January 16, 2019 at 12:36 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
I liked this post the first time and needed to read it again. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Sara Matson
What a helpful tutorial. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Nicole Vuong
Wonderful examples!
January 16, 2019 at 12:39 pm
Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt)
Who, What, Where – so simple! Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 12:40 pm
danielledufayet
Great advice! That first line should grab the reader – the 4 Ws mixed in with intrigue = enticement!
January 16, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth
Loved reading these first lines and looking forward to your auto-mouse-biography!!
January 16, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Debra Daugherty
I’ve never given much thought to the 4 w’s when writing, but will from now on. Time to go over my first lines and see if they work. Thanks, Shutta, for this great post.
January 16, 2019 at 12:48 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
First lines are SO important for setting the scene — thanks for this easy tip for making those first lines really grab the reader’s attention!
January 16, 2019 at 12:51 pm
ranessadoucet
I’m going to start paying more attention to opening lines and tweaking mine. Thanks for the insight!
January 16, 2019 at 12:51 pm
vijikc
Thank you for the reminder about the 4W’s.
Viji
January 16, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Gregory E Bray
Thanks for the post.
January 16, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Nancy Colle
The 4 W’s – disarmingly simple, but easy to overlook when caught up in a manuscript. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Alice Carty Fulgione
Great reminder to have the 4 W’s in our beginning lines. It’s so simple but so effective! Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Caren Cantrell
So easy to forget those basics when writing for children.
January 16, 2019 at 12:58 pm
writeknit
Thanks for the reminder to get the four basic questions answered in the first line. Excellent info to remember 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Nadia Salomon (@Nadia_Salomon)
Thank you for the strong ‘first lines’ reminder. It’s usually the hardest to write. Another thank you for dissecting some of these stories to succinctly get your point across about using the 4 Ws and sometimes not.
January 16, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for the reminder.
January 16, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Janie Reinart
Back to basics with wonderful examples. Thank you, Shutta.
January 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Thanks to Shutta for this great reminder of the importance of using the W’s to get your story off and running. And thanks to Tara for reposting it.
January 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
Great reminder, the 4Ws.
January 16, 2019 at 1:01 pm
ryanrobertsauthor
Very useful and I had not heard of this technique before. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 1:08 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Great reminder of who, what, when, and where and how we can get right to it in the opening line. Thanks for the examples.
January 16, 2019 at 1:08 pm
supermario6
Such good advice!
January 16, 2019 at 1:11 pm
karammitchell
As an illustrator first, I rarely focus on a first line. But won’t I from now on. Just a simple line can lead you in a hundred directions! Thank you, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 1:13 pm
Robin Robb-Kraus
Thank you Shutta for bringing us back to the basics! I loved the book examples you provided– great read alouds I that I have used in the past with students too! I will look for your books in our public library this week!
January 16, 2019 at 1:16 pm
carol w Munro
Journalism was my first writing class, too, and I learned these rules. Curious, now, to go back and look at my mss to see if I intuitively covered who, what, when, and where in my first lines.
January 16, 2019 at 1:18 pm
authoraileenstewart
Absolutely love this. Great advice. Hope to meet you at WWMW2019 :0)
January 16, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Pam Miller
I like the way you get right to it. (Like I should, too.) Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 1:24 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Great reminder! Thanks for the bonus of mentor texts!
January 16, 2019 at 1:29 pm
jennagrodzicki
Great advice, thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Kay Phillips
Thank you for this great mini-class!
January 16, 2019 at 1:31 pm
heatherbell37
Great place to start AND for revisions! Thank you for sharing this 😊
January 16, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Carmen White
Ah! Taking me back to my college journalism days!
January 16, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thank you for sharing this great reminder of the basics.
January 16, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Kristen Tipman
This is really good advice with great examples. Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
My writer’s toolbox contain the 5Ws + How. Thank you, Shutta.
Suzy Leopold
January 16, 2019 at 1:42 pm
Christina Shawn
This is great! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 1:45 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
Good things to remember when writing a story. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Gabi Snyder
Fantastic advice and examples! Thanks, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 1:54 pm
R.J. Koehn
I loved this. I’m planning a first line study day!
January 16, 2019 at 1:54 pm
Jen Bagan
Great reminder to start strong! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 1:56 pm
marsha e wright
Shutta, you’ve capsulized the best of openings beyond “it was a dark and stormy night.” I like how you’re reminding us to post these story questions and then once the readers are “tucked in,” we let readers explore our words to discover the answers. You’ve given us a yardstick on which to measure the strength of our beginnings. Thank you! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 1:57 pm
Aimee Satterlee
I am going to go right now and look at all of my first lines and ask the 5Ws and How?! Thanks, Shutta.
January 16, 2019 at 1:58 pm
Kelly Ohlert
Great information and helpful examples. thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Monica Harris
Not only is Shutta a great writer, but apparently, she’s a scientist — dissecting stories for the details we overlook! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Jennifer
What a great perspective to have when editing our own manuscripts. Are we conveying the Ws we want to convey? Is it more enticing to leave one out? I like the way this kind of analysis can help us keep on track with our themes.
January 16, 2019 at 2:09 pm
Helen Matthews
Thanks for this insight. You’re right so many cross-overs with newsbreaking, journalism and other writing style. It’s all just writing. Glad to be part of it 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 2:09 pm
curryelizabeth
Love this great, tangible advice. Thanks Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Laurel Goodluck
Okay… My 4 W’s are posted on a sticky as a reminder. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Thanks for your advice! I love the books you highlighted!
January 16, 2019 at 2:21 pm
Juliana Lee
Hello again, Shutta! Often heard of the 5W’s and the all important H. One thing that came to mind, was that a writing professor once said that a good story happens now. It draws a reader in and becomes timeless. (I believe she was quoting Beverly Cleary, but I’m not positive.) I remember discussing tense to emphasize when something occurs. Thanks for exercising my memory muscles… they certainly need it!!!
January 16, 2019 at 2:21 pm
kiwijenny
Who, what, where and when in the lead is exceptionally brilliant. Thanks I’m going to parse my stories with that in mind…awesome.
January 16, 2019 at 2:23 pm
nicolesalterbraun
Great examples. I guess I haven’t approached my PB’s that way. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 2:24 pm
Pat Miller
I didn’t think about using the W’s in a story beginning. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Great reminder, Shutta. Gonna write down who-what-when-where-why on my notebook!
January 16, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
Important reminders and guidance, Shutta! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 2:33 pm
Debbie Lodato
Shutta,
Great post. The four w’s is such a great tip!
Debbie Lodato
January 16, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Jodi Mckay
Opening lines are so hard! Thanks for the advice on creating a good opener.
January 16, 2019 at 2:40 pm
Vicki Wilke
Yup! The four W’s! Good reminder!
January 16, 2019 at 2:43 pm
Cathy Ogren
Great post, Shutta! I like the idea of the 4 Ws coming at the very beginning of the story.
January 16, 2019 at 2:46 pm
K.A.Steed
Thank you for the ideas!
January 16, 2019 at 2:46 pm
Sensibility and Sense
Shutta!!! So needed to read this today. There’s nothing better than getting back to basics for helping us see where our openings (and entire stories) need work. What a perfect exercise for picture book writers! Thank you:)
January 16, 2019 at 2:53 pm
Judy Bryan
This is a perfect way to get right into the story! Thank you, Shutta, for the great examples. Love your books!!
January 16, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Stephanie Williams
great examples!
January 16, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Janet Johnson
Such a brilliant way to look at it. Thank you for the great ideas!
January 16, 2019 at 2:57 pm
Ellen Sirianni
Great post! Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 3:04 pm
chardixon47
The 4 Ws! Thank you, Shutta, for the terrific examples and tips!
January 16, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
Thanks for another great post and intro construction tool, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Lynn Alpert
Great post – thanks Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 3:16 pm
Erika Henkart
This is great. I love seeing the skill demonstrated in these books. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 3:20 pm
annalunt
This is perfect for me today! My edits from my writing group called for a stronger beginning. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 3:20 pm
Chelle Martin
First lines are important in all genres. You need to draw in the reader, even young ones or the ones who may be reading to them. Great examples.
January 16, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Rinda Beach
Thank you for sharing the beauty of first lines. Now, to look at mine…
January 16, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Tracey Brown
The all important opening lines! 🙂 Thank you for illustrating with mentor texts
January 16, 2019 at 3:46 pm
stephaniewildman
Another old HS journalist here. Thanks for the great reminder
January 16, 2019 at 3:46 pm
RaeMcDonald
Shutta, Oh for the power of great examples. Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 3:47 pm
Maria Marshall
Shutta, thank you for a thought provoking post. When all the elements are there, it seems so simple. And yet, it’s so difficult to create such “effortlessness” at times. Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 3:48 pm
Li’vee Rehfield
Thank you for the encouragement ♥️
January 16, 2019 at 3:57 pm
LaurenKerstein
What a helpful, illuminating, thought-provoking post! I love your examples and analyses. I also love this sentence so much: “As in all things, once you know the rules you also know when it may be best to break them.”
January 16, 2019 at 4:06 pm
Johnell DeWitt
Thank you for these ideas.
January 16, 2019 at 4:08 pm
Melissa Stoller
Another great post from Shutta! I love looking at first lines. Thanks for insightful examples.
January 16, 2019 at 4:13 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
Great suggestion, and perfect examples! I’m going to take another look at my first lines.
January 16, 2019 at 4:14 pm
readstuffnwrite
Will pay more attention to first lines now. Thanks for the advice!
January 16, 2019 at 4:17 pm
Suzanne Alexander
Such great advice. I’m going to look through my picture book manuscripts for the 4 W’s.
January 16, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Excellent guidelines! Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 4:29 pm
karengreenwald2985
Thank you for your “opening line” advice…the examples you selected really enhanced the explanations given!
January 16, 2019 at 4:29 pm
8catpaws
On day 16, advice does come
From Shutta Crum–
With a nod to form
On Storystorm!
January 16, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Heather Kelso
“Thank you Shutta for the post from the past illustrating the importance of “tucking” in the reader by answering some “W” questions while making them yearn for what happens next and why.
Including book examples really helped me to understand.
January 16, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Barb Kupetz
It’s always important to remind ourselves about those four questions. This makes me wonder about all those early drafts that got shelved. I think I’ll go back and take a closer look.
January 16, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Heather Gallagher
Thanks for another great post 😀
January 16, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Shirley
Excellent advice. First lines are so important to engage the reader.
January 16, 2019 at 4:54 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Such a helpful post! Thank you, Shutta, for the reminder to make the story lead strong!
January 16, 2019 at 5:00 pm
sherilyncook
Thanks for the post and examples to learn from. Awesome!
January 16, 2019 at 5:00 pm
deniseaengle
Excellent examples! Great mentor texts! Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 5:00 pm
Moon Bishop
Thanks for the advice. First lines can make or break a book, imo.
January 16, 2019 at 5:08 pm
tanyakonerman
Even with a journalism degree, I had never really thought of PB beginnings this way. What a great insight!
January 16, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Nancy Riley
Ah . . . that is my lightbulb flashing on! Just like in novels, we often start in the wrong place. Seems the same is true for picture books and I think I am often too wordy. Perfect advice! Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 5:12 pm
Kellie
Yep – “include the w’s” is something I drill into my students when we are writing, but did I think that applied to me for PB? Thank you for the very timely reminder.
January 16, 2019 at 5:14 pm
Janet Smart
Interesting. I’ll have to check the first lines of my stories.
January 16, 2019 at 5:17 pm
Jennifer G Prevost
I’m going to take this and try it out on my WIPs. Thanks for another awesome post!
January 16, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Arlene Schenker
Thanks, Shutta! Great advice.
January 16, 2019 at 5:22 pm
Nina Snyder
That’s a good reminder! I majored in Journalism in college, but I still forget the four W’s every now and then.
January 16, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Karin Larson
I hadn’t thought of doing this specifically in picture books, but it makes all the sense in the world. Thank you for the reminder.
January 16, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Mariana
This is a great idea for starting a story. I haven’t done this in any of my drafts, but I will definitely try it. I have never stopped to consider this. I will check out some of the books I have at home to find out how many follow this idea. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Mary Warth
Thanks Shutta for sharing these great starts!!
January 16, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Marge Gower
Thanks for the reminder. It’s so easy to forget this very necessary rule, as we want to get out story on paper as quickly as possible.
January 16, 2019 at 5:45 pm
Tina Cho
Thanks for the tip, Shutta, and great examples!
January 16, 2019 at 5:55 pm
leeanimator
Great ideas and books to study. Thanks so much for your help!
January 16, 2019 at 6:04 pm
Christine Pinto
Thanks for the reminder to focus on first lines! They are so important for setting up everything to follow.
January 16, 2019 at 6:04 pm
Linda KulpTrout
A great reminder about the 4 Ws!
January 16, 2019 at 6:07 pm
Shereen S.
I like this: “As in all things, once you know the rules you also know when it may be best to break them.” And the idea of tucking our reader in after giving the 4 W’s. Thank you for teaching us today.
January 16, 2019 at 6:09 pm
Linda Hofke
First lines are so important, especially in picture books.
January 16, 2019 at 6:19 pm
Gail Hedrick
Oh, my-such good, concrete ‘stuff’! Thank you so very much, and I want Mouseling’s Words for a certain grand who loves words. Re-post that still has legs, long legs….
January 16, 2019 at 6:19 pm
awritersdream41
Thanks, Shutta. I always enjoy hearing your insights.
January 16, 2019 at 6:20 pm
James Arthur
Excellent. I love I want my hat back, I love max and ruby. Great post. Lots of firsts for me this year!
January 16, 2019 at 6:23 pm
Catherine Morgans
Great reminders Shutta, thanks for sharing.
January 16, 2019 at 6:23 pm
Poupette Smith
Thanks for this helpful post with sample openings well worth studying.
January 16, 2019 at 6:28 pm
Nancy Ferguson
Shutta, Thank you! Checking out first lines was on my list for this month! Now to do it.
January 16, 2019 at 6:35 pm
KRISTINA CASTILLO
Loved the examples.
January 16, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Diana Murrell
Thank you for this. When I try and get my kids to try a different book, if I can’t grab them with the first line it is doubtful they will try it.
January 16, 2019 at 6:45 pm
Frances Kalavritinos
Thanks for the reminder about who, what, where, and when. Such an important basic to keep in mind!
January 16, 2019 at 6:45 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Such a helpful post, Shutta. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 6:46 pm
seschipper
Thanks so much for the gentle reminder!!!! AHHH the 4 “w”‘s!!!! 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 6:53 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Thanks, Shutta on the reminder of how important it is to hook readers with first lines.
January 16, 2019 at 7:11 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Very helpful. Great examples. Will have fun looking for this in what I’ve written and what I read.
January 16, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Katie Williams
I also learned this, but in nursing school when learning how to interview a patient. What a great idea (duh!) to use it with picture books. Thanks for the tip!
January 16, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Brooke Hollon
Such a great reminder on the importance of writing strong first lines to our stories. I love the examples you used. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Suzanne Lieurance
I love simple beginnings like the examples you give here. Thanks for the reminder.
January 16, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Super helpful post, and with GREAT examples. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 7:32 pm
Melissa Escobar
Very good advice!!
January 16, 2019 at 7:36 pm
Tracy Hora
Thank you for the great post on first lines!
January 16, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Sara A
Great examples!
January 16, 2019 at 7:56 pm
jaclynsmiller
Simple but helpful. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 7:58 pm
Erik Ammon
I love the 4 Ws! Something to think about when starting a story off. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 8:11 pm
lizricewrites
Thank you for the tips and examples on how to leave space for the illustrator.
January 16, 2019 at 8:13 pm
Lisa L Furness
Thanks for the tips Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 8:19 pm
Sue Frye
Love those first lines! Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Claire W Bobrow
Time to go study my openings and check for the 4 W’s. Thanks for the great tip, Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 8:38 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post about how to start a story to pull in the reader.
January 16, 2019 at 8:45 pm
bookfish1
Great advice, love the idea of revisiting open lines through your “W” questions. Thanks
January 16, 2019 at 8:46 pm
Marie Sanderson
What wonderful opening lines! I find myself wishing I’d written them! A great reminder to read and reread the wonderful mentor texts out there.
January 16, 2019 at 8:48 pm
Kaye Baillie
This post is so helpful! I love the examples of the four ‘W’s and also the labeling of what type of book. Great!
January 16, 2019 at 8:52 pm
Margaret Flint Suter
I (who) wrote it (what) in my StoryStorm notebook(where) just as soon as I finished reading the post (when) Thanks Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 8:55 pm
Trine Grillo
I learn so much from the masters.
January 16, 2019 at 9:04 pm
ingridboydston
Thank you! And what an awesome name you have. I love it!
January 16, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Kirsten Pendreigh
Even as a journalist this is such a great reminder for me for kids writing.
January 16, 2019 at 9:14 pm
heidikyates
Thank you for the great advice Shutta!
January 16, 2019 at 9:14 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
SHUTTA: Your advice is GOLDEN!!! And I LOVE the examples you provided, so we can learn first hand. “Tucking in” our readers–what a BEAUTIFUL way to put it all!!! THANK YOU for the inspiration!!!
January 16, 2019 at 9:14 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Great advice! Owl Moon is one of my favorite books of all time.
January 16, 2019 at 9:22 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
The importance of a strong opening line can never be overstated. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 9:26 pm
tamaragirardi
Such great advice. I plan to use four different colors of index cards, each for a pile of ideas answering who, what, when, and where. After shuffling, I’ll randomly choose one card from each pile and see how fun and silly I can get. Hopefully there is a gem in there to be found!
January 16, 2019 at 9:35 pm
Brenda Miller
“Tucking your readers in.” What a fabulous way of talking about openings. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 9:36 pm
Sandy Foster
Thank you! These are some great ideas!!
January 16, 2019 at 9:39 pm
Teresa Klepinger
Tamara – I love your idea of the four different stacks of cards!
January 16, 2019 at 9:50 pm
teacherwriteracker
Thank for the post and the great examples.
January 16, 2019 at 9:58 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Great reminder! Back to basics: the 4 W’s!
January 16, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks for the wonderful refresher, Shutta! 🙂
January 16, 2019 at 10:16 pm
Lucy Staugler
Shutta, I can’t wait to take out all the PB on my shelves and look at the first sentences for the 4 w’s! Great info!
Thank-you!
January 16, 2019 at 10:17 pm
joyceschr
So “It was a dark and stormy night…” doesn’t quite cut it, huh? 😉 Thanks for the examples and challenges to look carefully at our opening sentences.
January 16, 2019 at 10:27 pm
writeremmcbride
Shutta, you are SO good at analyzing text, and I LOVE your use of mentor texts to help readers see what you refer to, right there in action! Thank you! Always good to hear from you!
January 16, 2019 at 10:28 pm
CJ Penko
Love this! I’ve always been weak in drafting opening lines. I love how you broke it down so simply, and gave such different examples. Thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 10:38 pm
Nadine Poper
Thank you so much to taking the time to post.
January 16, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Susan Macartney
Really enjoyed the use of mentor text examples to demonstrate strong, opening sentences – thank you!
January 16, 2019 at 10:55 pm
writersideup
Shutta, I just LOVE when things are put in such a simple, clear way, there’s no way not to easily “get” it 😀 Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 11:08 pm
julielacombeauthor
Thank you for the reminder to get back to basics. I’m going to try ths exercise with some mentor text.
January 16, 2019 at 11:33 pm
Cheryl Malandrinos
First lines are so important. Thanks for the reminder.
January 16, 2019 at 11:38 pm
renataclarkeblog
John Klassen is an incredible writer, one of my children’s book writing Idols. Clean, straight forward, funny; so much detail in so few words, which is a very important skill in picture book writing.
January 16, 2019 at 11:39 pm
Lucretia
Thanks for a great post, Shutta! Remember the basics–but “as in all things, once you know the rules you also know when it may be best to break them.” Words to write by!
January 16, 2019 at 11:56 pm
Christine Irvin
Thanks for resharing this post with us.
January 17, 2019 at 12:11 am
marty
Great examples. Am off to check my beginnings!
January 17, 2019 at 12:45 am
bgonsar
Thanks for the great examples to drive home the point!
January 17, 2019 at 12:51 am
authorlaurablog
What a wonderful “take it back to basics” message. I loved journalism class in high school and writing for the school paper. Excuse me while I take a trip down memory lane. 😉
January 17, 2019 at 12:56 am
Tanya T Shock
Thank you for the examples! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 1:06 am
Lori McElrath-Eslick
Thank you Storystorm, thank you Shutta, a perfect combo, creatively.
January 17, 2019 at 1:11 am
Charlotte Offsay
This was such an interesting read and has given me a lot to think about, thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 1:12 am
tiffanydickinson
This is a new perspective for me. I will be thinking about this when I write my openings from now on. Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 1:17 am
Julie Mondi
Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 1:25 am
Keila Dawson
Excellent reminder. Love the examples you gave.
January 17, 2019 at 1:33 am
Angie
Yes! I love finding great mentor texts to narrow in on specific aspects of my writing. Great first lines.
January 17, 2019 at 2:01 am
wyszguy
What a great breakdown! I love it!
January 17, 2019 at 3:05 am
rjtraxel
Great advice!
January 17, 2019 at 3:06 am
Becky Hamilton
Great advice. Having a go at 4 Ws randomly to see what it throws up.
January 17, 2019 at 3:44 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
Thanks for this wonderful tip! So true and as a reader of many picture books with our three boys something I’ve never consciously thought of. We just dive right into the books.
January 17, 2019 at 5:05 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for the advice.
January 17, 2019 at 7:16 am
Sara Fajardo
Thanks
January 17, 2019 at 7:39 am
Alexandra Hinrichs
Thanks for this reminder, and I love your point and example of how the absence of one of these elements can also be artfully used to enhance another element or elements.
January 17, 2019 at 7:42 am
Andrea Mack
I love studying the first lines of picture books! What a great way to get ideas!
January 17, 2019 at 7:47 am
cravevsworld
Beautiful concept for openings. Thank you much for sharing!
January 17, 2019 at 7:51 am
Suzanne Poulter Harris
Going to analyze all my first lines. And those in my current library book pile! Thanks for the idea.
January 17, 2019 at 8:37 am
DaNeil Olson
Outstanding advice! Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 8:42 am
Rona Shirdan
Great tip and clear examples. Thanks for sharing!
January 17, 2019 at 9:31 am
Jennifer Phillips
Helpful parsing of openings. A great exercise to do regularly! Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 9:42 am
Anita
Thank you for the lesson.
January 17, 2019 at 10:04 am
susan
Love this!
January 17, 2019 at 10:05 am
Nadine Gamble
Perfect reminders! Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 10:10 am
Jessica Kulekjian
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 17, 2019 at 10:12 am
megcason1
So insightful!! Thank you!!
January 17, 2019 at 10:24 am
Mardi Edwards
Wonderful guides for story writing.
January 17, 2019 at 10:37 am
Amy Bradshaw
As a J-School graduate, this resonates deep! Who, What, Where and Why is the basis for the corporate writing I do every day! Now, to get it down in my picture book writing! Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 10:38 am
kcareywrites
Great idea — applying who, what, where and when to my first lines might lead to a wonderful revision!
January 17, 2019 at 11:01 am
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing. It is always important to remember the basics!
January 17, 2019 at 11:11 am
CindyC
I can’t wait to try this exercise with some of my favorite picture books. Thanks, Shutta!
January 17, 2019 at 11:17 am
Kathy Mazurowski
Thanks, I need a boast in the middle of the month
January 17, 2019 at 11:34 am
melissamiles1
I like the way you broke it all down into manageable parts! Thanks. 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 11:36 am
debbeauchamp
Great post! Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 11:36 am
andromeda515
This is a great way to simplify the premise of a story.
January 17, 2019 at 12:16 pm
Marcia Berneger
Great advice. I’m going back to check my stories to see how I started them. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
This was an amazing post! Getting the crucial information to hook the reader is so important!
January 17, 2019 at 12:36 pm
paulinetso
Ah, the premise (who, where, when) is key to hooking a reader to pick up a book, but the emotional core (why) is what keeps them reading to the end. And re-reading!
January 17, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Juliann Caveny
Oooooo! I love this post! Those are some really GREAT beginnings too. 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Sarah Tobias
Great advice for new ideas and revising old.
January 17, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Katie B
Very helpful!
January 17, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Amelia Gossman
This was a really helpful post!! Thanks! 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 12:50 pm
storycatcherpublishing
I love Bear Snores On! I read it to my students this past summer and they loved it too!
Great post!
January 17, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Cassie Bentley
Very well explained. I got it this time. Thank you. I love “I Want My Hat Back.”
January 17, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Mary Worley
Deceptively simple exercise. Good to see it again because I need reminders. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 1:40 pm
littledbl
Thanks for the reminder! Perfect timing for me.
January 17, 2019 at 1:50 pm
aidantalkin
fantastic classic examples of great openings (and doesn’t Jon always break the mold so well) =)
January 17, 2019 at 1:50 pm
annjex
Using actual first lines to deconstruct the 4 W’s was very effective in driving home the point and how to apply it. Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Robin
I love I Want My Hat Back. Thanks for including it 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Dana Atnip
Thank you, Shutta, these are some of my favorite books! And what incredible opening lines! Great reminder to always follow the four W’s!
January 17, 2019 at 2:26 pm
carolkim328561673
Another gem of advice. Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life)
What a good reminder for both reading and writing picture books! Thank you!
January 17, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
Love this! Great place to start from and love the mentor texts! Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 2:52 pm
Dawn
Great examples!
January 17, 2019 at 2:57 pm
hmmmmm
So simple but so powerful — thanks Shutta
January 17, 2019 at 3:26 pm
Jane Baskwill
Thank you Shutta. First lines are an art in themselves. I find they can hold up my writing until I can get a good start on those lines.
January 17, 2019 at 3:28 pm
doreenbuchinski
Beginnings are difficult! Thank you for the 4 W’s info and great examples!
January 17, 2019 at 3:51 pm
gingermeurer
Love this! Thank you, Shutta! Any time I can use my journalism skills is a good time. Thank you for showing me there is use for them outside newspapers.
January 17, 2019 at 4:19 pm
Karin Semler
Great framework!
January 17, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Jennifer
Very good advice! Thank you.
January 17, 2019 at 5:38 pm
debbiemccue
I love your idea about answering the who/what/when/where in the first line of a story. It’s simple and works beautifully in the books you recommend. I will definitely be using this suggestion as I edit and play with new beginnings. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 5:38 pm
Monica Stoltzfus
Shutta,
Love the idea of diving into first lines/ first words. 💜
January 17, 2019 at 6:15 pm
Cinzia V.
This is great check of story and I am going to use it not just for idea generation but for revision. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 6:31 pm
photojaq
Wow, what an unnoticeable but VERY clever use of those questions. I wouldn’t have noticed them if you had’t pointed out the Who? What? When? Where? in the text… and then you showed the story telling How? and Why? As I said, WOW!
January 17, 2019 at 6:47 pm
celticsea
Good reminder to think about these basic questions, and I love the books you used to illustrate your point.
January 17, 2019 at 7:14 pm
kathydoherty1
This post was chock full of great advice. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Now I want to read “Max’s Chocolate Chicken.” (The title alone captures my interest.)
January 17, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Lydia Lukidis
Every word matters, especially the first ones.
January 17, 2019 at 7:39 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
Love this! It has me rethinking some of WIPs…
January 17, 2019 at 7:45 pm
Michele Helsel
Who? What? When? Where? That is my new mantra.
January 17, 2019 at 8:36 pm
Karan Greene
Good stuff! Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 8:45 pm
Peggy Jaegly
Shutta, thank you for the great 4 Ws tip. I too enjoy writing children’s books in verse.
January 17, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Jabeen Chawdhry
Thanks, thats a great reminder to use the 5 W’s!
January 17, 2019 at 9:28 pm
denarose
Thanks for the great post, and for the reminder to start with who, what, where, and when!
January 17, 2019 at 11:43 pm
Jolene Ballard Gutierrez
I remember learning the 4Ws in journalism class–thank you for bringing them home to picture books for me! ❤
January 18, 2019 at 12:22 am
susanzonca
Ah, yes! Back to the basics.
January 18, 2019 at 12:34 am
Ashley Bankhead
I loved this post! Thank you for sharing! It was very informative and fun. I like the idea of thinking with the 4 w’s.
January 18, 2019 at 12:46 am
catpledger
So helpful. Thank you 😊
January 18, 2019 at 1:12 am
Emily Wayne (@heyemilywayne)
Great advice!
January 18, 2019 at 7:46 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Back to the basics! Asking these questions might actually help me with a current manuscript…
January 18, 2019 at 8:08 am
chrisynthia
What are great exercise. I am going to try it right now.
January 18, 2019 at 8:08 am
Erin Le Clerc
Thank you – this helped me formulate an opening to an idea I had a few days ago!
January 18, 2019 at 9:47 am
Mel Copeman
I always forget about who what when. Thank you for the reminder!
January 18, 2019 at 9:51 am
thislittlebirdie
Great reminder of basics we should all keep in mind!
January 18, 2019 at 10:27 am
Elizabeth Brown
Excellent post! Thanks so much!
January 18, 2019 at 11:55 am
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
As a journalist, I harp on the 4 Ws, but I often forget it when writing picture books. Thanks for the reminder!
January 18, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Judy Cooper
Great reminder of the importance of opening lines.
January 18, 2019 at 1:03 pm
Connie Van Horn
Great information on opening lines. Thanks!
January 18, 2019 at 2:10 pm
Kathryn Jean Hagen
Great reminder about the 4 Ws, Shutta. Thank you!
January 18, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Noelle McBride
Thanks! Diving in now to look at first lines of my favorite texts!
January 18, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Megan Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2)
Awesome reminder of the for Ws and first lines! I’ll have to write down some of my favorite picture books from childhood and adulthood.
January 18, 2019 at 3:17 pm
Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson)
Great post – thank you!
January 18, 2019 at 3:33 pm
writeforapples1
Great examples!
January 18, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Margie Markarian
Loved this! My first writing jobs were in journalism! Thanks
January 18, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Lisa Murphy
Thanks so much. Solid, beneficial advice!
January 18, 2019 at 5:26 pm
Kathleen Cornell-Berman
First lines are crucial. And I loved your examples.
January 18, 2019 at 6:24 pm
debobrienbookscom
What a great post. The first sentence is so important. But I really appreciated the idea of leaving out one of the four questions and letting the illustrator help set the scene.
January 18, 2019 at 7:05 pm
Jim Chaize
Always helpful to read great beginning by some great authors. Thanks, Shutta.
January 18, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
Thank you for the examples! Great post!
January 18, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
Sound advice. It’s so interesting to see what’s missing, what’s there, and what works. Then figuring out the why…..
January 18, 2019 at 10:20 pm
annettepimentel
I’m glad she pointed out one of the books that breaks the rule, too! That’s sometimes the most revealing example.
January 19, 2019 at 12:06 am
Becky Scharnhorst
Excellent post! Thank you for breaking down the 4 Ws with such great examples.
January 19, 2019 at 12:11 am
Rani Iyer
Great post! Thanks for the great analysis and examples.
January 19, 2019 at 1:40 am
Sandy Perlic
What a fascinating look into first lines! Great post.
January 19, 2019 at 4:18 am
Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words)
Very good advice. A simple structure for writers to follow, yet so important for the audience. Thanks for a useful post!
January 19, 2019 at 7:29 am
Bethanny Parker
Nice analysis. I love the opening of the bear book.
January 19, 2019 at 8:19 am
junesmalls
Great lesson on how to break down a mentor text!
January 19, 2019 at 8:26 am
Lauri Meyers
Thank you for taking this journalistic look at opening lines!
January 19, 2019 at 9:07 am
Patricia
This post was extremely helpful. I am going back right now to edit a few of my story openings. Thank you!
January 19, 2019 at 9:48 am
Rick Starkey
Thanks for re-posting this. Some are from before I found your site.
January 19, 2019 at 10:17 am
Eileen Saunders
I honestly haven’t paid much attention lately to the 4Ws in picture books, just my other writing. Time for some editing. Thanks for the remiinder.
January 19, 2019 at 11:57 am
Kathy O'Neill
Great advice and examples! Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Great reminder. Thanx,
January 19, 2019 at 4:24 pm
Teresa Robeson
Another piece of advice I need to keep by my computer at all times!
January 19, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
Sometimes we love a piece of writing, but we don’t immediately identify all the little subtleties that make it great. I really enjoy going back to beloved picture books, the way you did, to examine what it is they did so well, and how they did it. Being so efficient in the opening, to give the give the reader all-important context, is so important. You explained it all beautifully, and I appreciated your examples. Thanks for this post!
January 19, 2019 at 5:11 pm
Laurie Bouck
Very helpful, thank you!
January 19, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Diane Tulloch
I’m all about the beginnings and openings and leads…this year. Its the possibilities they offer.
January 19, 2019 at 7:42 pm
Susan Schade
I cannot wait to go through my stories and try this lead exercise. Thank you for the idea and the examples.
January 19, 2019 at 8:40 pm
Meghan Burch
Going to go re-read some of my fave picture books and pay close attention to how the opening lines and art set up the story. Thanks!
January 19, 2019 at 9:16 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Love this…answer the 4 W’s right away. Simple concept with the power to draw in your reader. Thank you!
January 19, 2019 at 10:18 pm
sjctenney
I never thought of first lines like this before!
January 19, 2019 at 11:07 pm
Kath Carroll
Great reminder to go back to those roots of storytelling!
January 20, 2019 at 8:53 am
kaleegwarjanski
I love studying first lines. this is awesome.
January 20, 2019 at 9:14 am
Carolyn Lucas
Thank you.
January 20, 2019 at 9:39 am
Angela De Groot
Thanks for the 4 + 2 WH questions tip. Now to see if my drafts are tucking my reader in.
January 20, 2019 at 9:51 am
Wendy
I love studying first lines over and over. There are some fantastic ones out there. Thanks for the repost!
January 20, 2019 at 10:04 am
kmajor2013
Let me see if I got this straight. Who is me, of course!, What is Storystorm-2019 indeed! Where is wherever I can find ideas, okay! When is from January 1-31, 2019. Yeah! Thanks for the tips!
January 20, 2019 at 11:06 am
hdening
Great reminder- 4Ws- and with examples! Thanks, Shutta.
January 20, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Judith Wright Aplin
I, too, was a high school journalism student and a news editor in my senior yeear of the high school newspaper. I also went to Northwestern University’s high school institute for journalism one summer. In all these places, Who, What, When, and Where were paramount in our writing.
January 20, 2019 at 1:09 pm
DB Cote
I liked your statement, “Good leads are something that the news reader doesn’t really notice, but are crucial to keeping the reader’s attention.” Thank you.
January 20, 2019 at 1:19 pm
jenfierjasinski
This is a great post! Thanks for the specific examples and the encouragement to study more.
January 20, 2019 at 3:36 pm
Valarie Giogas
These examples are great – esp showing how/when to break the rules.Thanks for sharing.
January 20, 2019 at 4:44 pm
Deb Cushman
Great reminder with examples! Thanks for sharing!
January 20, 2019 at 4:56 pm
angiew.littleredhen
The 4 W’s, what simple but great advice. A great place to start a story. Thank you for your reminder.
January 20, 2019 at 6:13 pm
Lynne Marie
So nice to see Shutta who is a part-time Floridian ❤ Thanks for the inspiration, Shutta!
January 20, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Carolyn Kraft
This is awesome advice, thank you!
January 20, 2019 at 7:39 pm
Elizabeth Metz
Like everyone else (I’m sure) I now want to go revisit all the first sentences of all my manuscripts. Thanks, Shutta!
January 20, 2019 at 7:50 pm
setwiggs
Shutta,
Such a good reminder. I’ll look more closely at my first lines.
January 20, 2019 at 9:24 pm
doreenrobinson
I love the concept of using journalism leads – who, what, where and when – to see if my stories have first lines that hook the reader. Thank you, Shutta and Tara!
January 20, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Jill M Proctor
Great reminders and great examples! So helpful!
January 20, 2019 at 10:16 pm
Danielle Hicks
These are great examples to tuck away for reference. Thank you!
January 20, 2019 at 10:23 pm
aliciaminor
The wonder of four W’s… It works! Thanks for the tips!
January 21, 2019 at 1:53 am
Zoraida Rivera
I must check my picture book beginnings! What will I find?
January 21, 2019 at 8:36 am
mbhmaine
Thanks for exploring leads through these wonderful examples. I love the idea of tucking my reader in by answering the four Ws. I’ll also be sharing this information with my fourth grade writers. Thanks!
January 21, 2019 at 9:53 am
Helen
Thanks for the reminder. I forgot about the four W’s.
January 21, 2019 at 3:22 pm
kayla6001
Thank you
January 21, 2019 at 4:02 pm
Anna Brooks
This is so helpful. I’m now thinking through all of the stories I’ve written, and all of my favorite published stories, and testing them for the four Ws!
January 21, 2019 at 5:46 pm
Meilssa Chupp
Thank you for your insight!
January 21, 2019 at 6:40 pm
aturner513
Very helpful post. Thank you.
January 21, 2019 at 10:22 pm
Angela H. Dale
A practical, and spot-on, metric for opening lines. Thank you. Can’t wait to read Mouseling’s Words.
January 21, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Midge Ballou Smith
This was great! Thank you–
January 21, 2019 at 11:58 pm
Vicky
What a wonderful post. Thank you. This has recombobulated how I will look at my first lines.
January 22, 2019 at 12:55 am
martina.franklin.poole
All in one sentence! I love that about picture books! We can just get straight to the point!
January 22, 2019 at 2:03 am
Hillary Homzie
Gorgeous examples of first lines. Thank you!
January 22, 2019 at 8:16 am
Annette Walsh
Love the 4W’s and the examples are very helpful. Thank You.
January 22, 2019 at 10:11 am
Nicole Turner
I loved this. It makes me want to go analyze a bunch of first lines.
January 22, 2019 at 11:25 am
Kelly Vavala
Very helpful reminder! Even though I know this, I jotted it down again and will be going though a lot of first lines to see if I capture it as well as these great reads!
January 22, 2019 at 11:49 am
Anne Appert
Thank you for the helpful reminder! This is so easy to forget when writing first lines.
January 22, 2019 at 12:50 pm
CindyC
One of the best posts yet. First lines are so important. Thanks!!
January 22, 2019 at 2:16 pm
Kelly Conroy
I can’t wait to dig into the first lines from my stack of library books! Thank you!
January 22, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Sally Matheny
These are helpful tips and sources for teaching writing to young students as well.
January 22, 2019 at 7:07 pm
Paula VanEnkevort
Thank you for the reminder and great examples!
January 22, 2019 at 8:01 pm
Stephanie Lau
That’s a great way to think about openings!
January 22, 2019 at 10:37 pm
Steve Schwartz
Thanks for a very instructive post!
January 23, 2019 at 12:03 am
Beth Stilborn
I’m going to take this and see how my current manuscripts fulfill the 4 W’s in the opening (as well as building on this for future ideas and manuscripts.) Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 2:36 am
Amalia Reef
Brilliant observation! Thank you.
January 23, 2019 at 12:39 pm
Jill
Thanks for the great, specific way to focus the first line of a PB.
January 23, 2019 at 2:20 pm
J.D. Silverwood (@jdsilverwood)
My favorite posts always include examples. Thanks for THESE examples! 🙂
January 23, 2019 at 3:06 pm
Kyle McBride
I’m now see how the first lines of text are so important
January 23, 2019 at 3:40 pm
Helen Taylor
Great reminder, Thank you!
January 23, 2019 at 6:02 pm
Dani Duck
They why and how are so important. Thank you for reminding me of this!
January 23, 2019 at 7:19 pm
Francoise
thanks, some really useful points here.
January 23, 2019 at 8:23 pm
Amanda Davis
The 4W’s! Yes! Thank you, Shutta!
January 23, 2019 at 11:14 pm
Buffy Silverman
Thanks for the wonderful first line examples!
January 24, 2019 at 1:56 am
Michelle Sumovich
Wow, Shutta! I’ve spent a few days thinking about this and improving the opening lines of several of my mss. Thank you so much for your insight!
January 24, 2019 at 4:30 am
Sherry Howard
First lines are so important. Great post to help us examine them!
January 24, 2019 at 12:28 pm
LAUREN BARBIERI
Great way to put it: “…tucks the reader in.”
Thanks for the post!
January 24, 2019 at 1:56 pm
alisongoldberg
Great post! Thank you!
January 24, 2019 at 3:13 pm
Joannie Duris
Great examples of first lines that work in different ways, but still cover the critical information to draw the reader into the story. Thanks, Shutta.
January 24, 2019 at 4:09 pm
photojaq
I love this. I’m going to go check a few books right now. And for middle grade, this might happen in the first paragraph, page, or chapter. I’m on the look out now!
January 24, 2019 at 4:16 pm
claireannette1
Great idea to analyze beginnings and get right to the 4w’s. Thanks!
January 24, 2019 at 5:22 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for reminding me not to forget what I learned in journalism classes.
January 25, 2019 at 2:59 am
sharongiltrow
What a great reminder about the basics of good storytelling. Thank you.
January 25, 2019 at 11:00 am
Becky Shillington
Excellent formula, Shutta. Thanks!
January 25, 2019 at 11:01 am
rrmalin
Yep. Back to my journalism classes and being the editor of our high school newspaper. We’re all reporters reporting what’s happening in our stories.
January 25, 2019 at 12:23 pm
topangamaria
Applying a journalistic eye to finding story is a great tool.
January 25, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Shanah Salter
Great reminder about opening lines 🙂
January 25, 2019 at 2:01 pm
laura516
Think like a journalist. Got it 🙂
January 25, 2019 at 2:39 pm
Elizabeth Steiner
I enjoyed looking and thinking over the examples you gave. Thank you:)
January 25, 2019 at 6:00 pm
dlapmandi
Love the idea that the first sentence answers most of questions: who, what, when and where.
January 26, 2019 at 7:34 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Where do I comment? Right here! Why should I do so? To be eligible for the prize drawing, silly. When do I win? Thanks, Shutta.
January 26, 2019 at 9:31 am
Shel ledrew
Thank you.
January 26, 2019 at 2:59 pm
rhumba20
Thank you! Very informative.
-Anna Levin
January 26, 2019 at 10:06 pm
Robyn Campbell
I’ll remember this for a long time to come. Thank you for inviting me into your classroom today.
January 27, 2019 at 9:07 am
Janet A Bryce
Thank You! I’m learning so much about writing. This is fun!
January 27, 2019 at 11:14 am
Kristin Wauson
Applying journalism principles to children’s books is genius! Thank you for sharing.
January 27, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Terri Sabol
I love the multiple examples given. Thanks!
January 27, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Joyce
I love having formulas. Thanks for the reminder about the journalism approach.
January 27, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Excellent and helpful advise. Thanks a lot!
January 27, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Andrew Lefebvre
Thanks. Great advice.
January 28, 2019 at 10:12 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Such good advice!
Thank you!!
January 28, 2019 at 12:01 pm
cantsing1
Good reminder there are rules – and to wisely break them!
January 28, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Brandon Collins
So good
January 28, 2019 at 9:38 pm
Shelly Hawley-Yan
Thank you for this! ❤
January 29, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Susie Sawyer
Sometimes we need to be reminded of the basics. “Who, what, when and where – and then why and how”. What a wonderful formula for success! Thank you, Shutta Crum, you genius, you! (the examples were outstanding)
January 29, 2019 at 12:46 pm
Kassy Keppol
If only I was confident in verse. Super fun, thank you for sharing.
January 29, 2019 at 1:45 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
What a great challenge. I think I’ll reread some of my favorites and see how the first lines answer those W questions!
January 29, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Julie Rand
Thank you, you always have wonderful info to share.
January 29, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Laura Purdie Salas
This is all SO true. Without that info, readers can definitely feel unsettled. There have been many picture book biographies that I have LOVED, but that didn’t include the where or when anywhere in the main text. What?! Of course, I don’t want to be bogged down with details and a zillion dates, but no mention of century? Country? Yikes.
January 29, 2019 at 11:04 pm
Carolyn
Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever thought of story opening in terms of who, what, when, where. Thanks!
January 29, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Charlene Avery
Perfect examples. Thank you!
January 30, 2019 at 12:48 am
Susan Tuggy
I am intrigued to try finding the four Ws in the first line of my favorite picture books.
January 30, 2019 at 10:23 am
Vicky Howard
Great nuts and bolts wisdom. I’ll be analyzing opening lines…
January 30, 2019 at 3:20 pm
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
Just read openings in Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books and this was a perfect supplement, I can’t wait to try it out (then try it again and again and again😉)
January 30, 2019 at 5:33 pm
sallie wolf
Really concrete post with great info. Thanks, Shutta.
January 30, 2019 at 7:57 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
This is an excellent reminder of what we know. I’m going to go study first lines again! Thanks for sharing.
January 30, 2019 at 8:51 pm
angelapenadahle
Niggly…now that’s an interesting word that SOUNDS fun to say but not quite the definition I expected for such a fun sounding word.
January 31, 2019 at 12:24 am
Cindy E. Owens
This is an enlightening article. Thanks for the tips.
January 31, 2019 at 1:28 am
Jocelyn Rish
I think I do this accidentally, but I need to be more mindful of doing it in the most effective way.
January 31, 2019 at 5:48 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Great advice! Thanks!
January 31, 2019 at 10:18 am
creationsbymit
Sound advice. The lead is so important to engaging the reader!
Michele Katz Grieder
January 31, 2019 at 7:39 pm
higherthanrubies
Great advice and visuals! Thank you.
January 31, 2019 at 10:28 pm
Laurie Swindler
Thanks, good to be reminded off the importance of the 5 W’s.
February 1, 2019 at 3:08 pm
denitajohnson
Good information to remember.
February 3, 2019 at 1:14 pm
Dianne
Nice opening lines. That was fun. Thanks for picking them apart and showing how and why they work.
February 3, 2019 at 4:34 pm
Johna Nicole Rossetti
Excellent reminders of the basic 4 (or 5) W’s. Thanks so much!
February 3, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Susan Orton
Thank you for showing us how sometimes leaving out one or two of the four Ws can enhance a story. You’ve made it very clear.
February 4, 2019 at 4:38 pm
loelmu
I’ve given a lot of thought since I read this post about the what where when who. Great post!
February 4, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Jess Bourgeois
Heading back to reread some favorite children’s books with a new perspective!
January 28, 2020 at 4:08 pm
Sylvia Chen
Great point to doublecheck, thank you!
January 14, 2021 at 10:39 pm
DANIELLE GOOBIE
Great advice. Thanks for sharing!
January 16, 2021 at 9:47 pm
Myra Sanderman
Such good advice! We all have our favorite first lines. Thanks for reminding us to look at them carefully.