tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post8060209009587814335..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: First Page or Last? Which is More Important?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18881677443841522322021-07-09T01:22:30.036-04:002021-07-09T01:22:30.036-04:00UFC 264 free live online That was excessively hig...<a href="https://www.ufc264update.com/" rel="nofollow"> UFC 264 free live online </a> That was excessively high, as I was on Poirier in January at UFC 257, yet now it's swung excessively far the alternate way. One knockout win shouldn't move the chances this much, particularly not when there's a point of reference of McGregor returning from a misfortune into a rematch with more clarity of mind and molding. The third battle might be somewhat more exhausting, however McGregor is presumably not going to allow Poirier to hit him so much and be ready to drag this into the late adjusts. Anticipate a nearby battle, yet I'd make McGregor around a - 135 top choice so there's reasonable worth at pick'When does UFC 264 beginningMcGregor vs Poirier 3 Bellator Mma Live Tonighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13191164355855974469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-71225394772101578792011-06-06T18:20:42.613-04:002011-06-06T18:20:42.613-04:00This is an interesting post. I think I've end...This is an interesting post. I think I've ended my manuscript with a hook, but I'm not sure it gives the reader the satisfaction they deserve.jrl3dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14487185332591194325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-91539648035282498542011-06-06T01:31:18.939-04:002011-06-06T01:31:18.939-04:00You've said it well, Jody. There obviously isn...You've said it well, Jody. There obviously isn't one simple answer. For me it depends on what I need from the book, and that usually depends on the genre.Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65148480829273091662011-06-05T12:46:06.353-04:002011-06-05T12:46:06.353-04:00Jody, I think you've hit the nail on the head....Jody, I think you've hit the nail on the head. No pressure for writers, right? :DJulie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3900147450769243082011-06-05T09:14:12.955-04:002011-06-05T09:14:12.955-04:00I think you really nailed it here, Jody - both are...I think you really nailed it here, Jody - both are immensely important but for different reasons. For a debut author, the first page is especially critical because, without it, no one will make that initial purchase to find the magic within. But if we do it right, then we hook our readers with our ending and hopefully have them coming back for more.Jen J. Dannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00817943866838270699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-71931460360847380982011-06-04T23:24:39.303-04:002011-06-04T23:24:39.303-04:00I love the thrill of being pulled into a book. It ...I love the thrill of being pulled into a book. It is frustrating when the end doesn't bring satisfaction or raise a question that I MUST grab a sequel to find the answer to.Leslie S. Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17122865337924270039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-9143668245715964582011-06-04T08:05:56.520-04:002011-06-04T08:05:56.520-04:00Totally right! Both are important, but the ending ...Totally right! Both are important, but the ending is what makes me keep reading an author. I'll find an author at a library, read a few books of theirs and then stop because their beginnings keep hooking me but the endings are blah and so I give up.Jessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7491874333959913792011-06-04T07:38:30.921-04:002011-06-04T07:38:30.921-04:00I agree!
When I'm "done" writing an...I agree!<br /><br />When I'm "done" writing and editing my book, I re-read the first and last chapter carefully to make sure all's well - especially once you have all that hindsight and foresight from all you've written! and I like to "frame" the story, come full circle or whatever at the end from the beginning.Kathryn Magendiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12863595228298349863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-21650507989958527842011-06-03T17:24:44.170-04:002011-06-03T17:24:44.170-04:00Good points, Jody. I've revised my beginning s...Good points, Jody. I've revised my beginning so many times, it doesn't resemble my first draft, but my ending has never significantly changed. I think it's time to do another full read-through with this in mind!<br />ericaerica and christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-17173105680866770832011-06-03T16:13:39.165-04:002011-06-03T16:13:39.165-04:00I love how you put this. It's true. I can forg...I love how you put this. It's true. I can forgive a lot of things, but I can't be disappointed by a bad ending!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14345212150400520722011-06-03T16:11:42.917-04:002011-06-03T16:11:42.917-04:00Good insight about the last chapter. I'm alwa...Good insight about the last chapter. I'm always reading about the importance of the hook at the beginning, but you are right, it's really upsetting to invest your time and interest in what seems a great story and then be let down by a poor ending.Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65699639392133432642011-06-03T14:44:59.762-04:002011-06-03T14:44:59.762-04:00I'm still too stuck on the first page to consi...I'm still too stuck on the first page to consider the last:) <br /><br />No really, I believe the beginning is holds the power to propel the story, plunge the reader into the pages ahead, and prick their hearts for the stories that lay ahead.Tamika:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04874834971492028558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79073718526736152122011-06-03T14:09:25.039-04:002011-06-03T14:09:25.039-04:00I believe they are both equally important. If the ...I believe they are both equally important. If the first chapter doesn't hook me, I am less likely to actually finish the bok. If the last chapter leaves me disappointed I am less likely to purchase another from that author. I recently read Nightingale by Susan May Warren and as the end grew closer I felt as if I were going to be left very disappointed, which really upset me because I really like her books. However, right at the end it twisted - leaving me with a smile and praise for Susan.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17526671809518660321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10352383867587417582011-06-03T13:36:43.332-04:002011-06-03T13:36:43.332-04:00I hate the emphasis on the first page, because a b...I hate the emphasis on the first page, because a book has to be really, really bad for me to put it down based on just one page. I really don't think most readers read that way, although agents and editors say they judge that way. Of course, there has to be some element, at least one, that keeps you reading. You can't hate everything, but I do believe many readers will give a story at least a few pages to see where it's going.<br /><br />I hate endings that are rushed, cliched or otherwise thrown together. They leave a sour taste behind and reduce the chance that I'll look for the next book. So I agree with the last page, or at least the last couple of pages, theory. The worst is when it's really great up until the very last sentence, where you can almost see the author trying to write The Perfect Ending Hook--and falling flat.PatriciaWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-20938686196662679152011-06-03T12:33:38.210-04:002011-06-03T12:33:38.210-04:00Absolutely! The entire book really is important. I...Absolutely! The entire book really is important. I don't think a writer should spend more time on one area unless it's a writing weakness for her. But you're certainly right that the first page sells the book and the last sells the next book! That's how I feel as a reader.Laura S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13934230198562773803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-46062327369839424272011-06-03T12:19:43.913-04:002011-06-03T12:19:43.913-04:00I'm a very patient reader, but I know many are...I'm a very patient reader, but I know many aren't, so, yes, the 1st page is crucial. For me, the last chapter is the most important. I haven't picked up a Lois Lowry book since The <br />Giver because her ending was so bad. She claims she wants the reader to imagine the ending. Um, no, thanks. I'll write my own books if I want to be the one imagining. I read others' books to enter into their imaginations, their world views.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05536293384635588296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33826081379768812132011-06-03T12:01:35.350-04:002011-06-03T12:01:35.350-04:00I think both the first and last page are important...I think both the first and last page are important for the reasons you stated, Jody. But I also agree about writing satisfying endings. Those are truly what makes a book great. I can put up with a so-so beginning if everything else leads up to a successful conclusion, one that ties it up without being too perfect.Brandi Boddiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08017741568841209088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4281948782457198092011-06-03T11:22:51.193-04:002011-06-03T11:22:51.193-04:00Great post, Jody.
I agree with the quote by Spill...Great post, Jody.<br /><br />I agree with the quote by Spillane that Karen posted above.<br /><br />I think you have to hook 'em, reel them in, and land the second book deal. (first page, middle, and last page)<br /><br />Have a great weekend.Loree Huebnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09845600356878587780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-25328253628298595052011-06-03T10:27:36.818-04:002011-06-03T10:27:36.818-04:00Not long ago I stumbled upon (and blogged) this qu...Not long ago I stumbled upon (and blogged) this quote:<br /><br />"The first chapter sells the book; the last chapter sells the next book." - Spillane<br /><br />I think this is true. Each is important in its own way. <br /><br />Nice post, as always!Karen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13425141684712829990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37078642986351164772011-06-03T10:19:37.475-04:002011-06-03T10:19:37.475-04:00Great advice - thanks Jody! After wrestling with t...Great advice - thanks Jody! After wrestling with the beginning of my MS, I've now come to the end. Trying to decide between bittersweet and happily ever after, all ends nicely tied and untangled. I knew the beginning was important to hooking the reader/agent, but this made it clear what the ending was for. So thank you. :)Melodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08846251713093236356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-24298013757982620742011-06-03T09:19:24.799-04:002011-06-03T09:19:24.799-04:00Totally agree about the first page. I've read ...Totally agree about the first page. I've read some really good ones recently that I plan to type up for reference. I think the ending is probably different depending on whether or not it is a series. Yours does a great job of giving the story a climax and enough emotional points left open to continue into the next book. Can't wait to read it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8308978212068607922011-06-03T09:17:49.620-04:002011-06-03T09:17:49.620-04:00"Your first chapter sells your book. Your las..."Your first chapter sells your book. Your last chapter sells your <i>next</i> book." Mickey SpillaneJames Scott Bellhttp://www.jamesscottbell.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-85635777208329765642011-06-03T08:21:43.739-04:002011-06-03T08:21:43.739-04:00I think Katie really wants to declare a thumb war....I think Katie really wants to declare a thumb war.<br /><br />I'll vote first but only by a smidge.<br /><br />word verification today is blessed! You betcha!<br />~ WendyWendy Paine Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15136235074351188350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51885853412294958032011-06-03T08:21:18.243-04:002011-06-03T08:21:18.243-04:00I put more thought into my endings that my opening...I put more thought into my endings that my openings. I need to improve that, and make my openings stronger, but I love creating a really solid ending. I've sometimes felt really let down by a book or movie I've enjoyed, only to be let down by how it ends.Paul Anthony Shortthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14393249001158230985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72842292884982115202011-06-03T08:18:31.786-04:002011-06-03T08:18:31.786-04:00This is fantastic. I've never quite heard it ...This is fantastic. I've never quite heard it explained this way. The ending will entice the readers to pick up your next book. Fantastic I say.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.com