Eric: Unpublished : 13http://www.blogiversity.org/blogs/dmi/archive/tags/13/default.aspxTags: 13enCommunityServer 2007 SP2 (Build: 20611.960)The First Thirteenhttp://www.blogiversity.org/blogs/dmi/archive/2010/02/25/the-first-thirteen.aspxThu, 25 Feb 2010 20:41:00 GMTf44090d1-a969-42dd-bc2f-08ef65ab6445:13533DMI1http://www.blogiversity.org/blogs/dmi/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=13533http://www.blogiversity.org/blogs/dmi/commentapi.aspx?PostID=13533http://www.blogiversity.org/blogs/dmi/archive/2010/02/25/the-first-thirteen.aspx#commentsThe most important part of any story is probably the beginning. A reader or editor might not like the end, it might leave them completely unsatisfied, or even angry but the fact is, they wouldn&#39;t have read to the end or even the middle if the beginning wasn&#39;t strong enough to pull them. Some say the most swamped editorial staffs and slush readers will only read the first thirteen lines of every story and from those thirteen decide whether it is strong enough for them to push forward.<div><br /></div><div>Why the first thirteen lines? Simple. When a&nbsp;manuscript&nbsp;is submitted in proper format, with a heading that includes the author&#39;s name and address, doublespace with the word count and the title, then some empty space, there will be thirteen lines of actual story on the first page and if an author can&#39;t get them to turn that first page... rejection.</div><div><br /></div><div>A good thirteen lines has to be interesting, quick paced and contain all the basic initial story elements: a protagonist who wants something facing a problem. The forum of science fiction writer Orson Scott Card&#39;s website is devoted to the first 13 lines, allowing people to post the first 13 of their stories for people to comment and critique. The website is www.hatrack.com.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time, I&#39;m Eric and I&#39;m an unpublished writer.</div><div><br /></div><div>95 days until deadline, nine chapters complete.</div><img src="http://www.blogiversity.org/aggbug.aspx?PostID=13533" width="1" height="1">Orson Scott Card13