Workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults
“Some first lines are so powerful that you
absolutely have to keep on reading. ... At its best, it can be not only a
propellant, but also a statement of what you might expect from the text to
come. It can establish a character, a narrator or setting, convey a shocking
piece of information.” Noah Lukeman
Introductory paragraphs require the following ingredients in order to establish the key
purpose and points. And to grab the reader’s interest.
Statement
of the Issue Clear
thesis statement
A
Thesis Worth Examining Narrow
Focus
Attention
Getter Clarity
Just as in fiction, the opening invitation is
extended to enter into a shared conversation. The introductions are also a
promise to the reader that their own curiosity and their own wonder will be
satisfied. When we meet that promise, we build relationships with future
readers. And we can build credibility in our particular field of interest.
What is your story/subject about? Where did it start? Is it an idea to explore, a character memoir,
a significant place, or a feeling that sent you on a search?
The delivery voice, like a story, includes
the writer’s voice, which must be the consistent voice of your work and
worldview. It includes the
—narrator’s personae/personality
—attitude towards the
subject
—world at large.
Invite your reader to care about your
commitment and take the time to listen to your discoveries. As mentioned
earlier in the outlines, your target audience will also determine your choice
of style either for articles above or for different styles of essays such as
narration, description, compare and contrast, persuasion, argument, or
analysis. The delivery style, or approach, you intend needs to be defined as
well in the introduction.
Author Lee Wyndham considers the three most popular openings
for this age group as statement, question and answer, and anecdotal.
Action Steps:
1. Does the
beginning paragraph/chapter establish your voice and your tone?
2. Is your
voice consistent throughout the opening?
3. Does your
language style match your attitude? For example: Witty or sardonic. Formal or casual.
4. “They
call me Ismael,” is the immediate focus in line one of the novel Moby-Dick.
What do you want your immediate impression to be for your readers?
Share: Which style choice have you made
for this particular essay/ article? Why?
Bonus Action Steps:
1. Write a
set of opening lines based on the opening quote by Noah Lukeman above. Then
write additional versions of each sentence based on the different categories
that could apply to a potential series for you. They may or may not develop
into a first chapter opening line for your articles but could become paragraph or
example opening lines down the road.
Read deep, marcy
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