The first line in a book is by far the most important sentence in the entire novel. The first line can instantly hook readers…or it can completely turn them off.

When I’m trying to come up with a new book concept, I always come up with the first line, then I work out the rest of my story. Cause if I can get a strong, powerful first line…well, then everything else falls into place for me.

Each October, Tina Wainscott hosts a “Best First Line‘” contest. I love this contest! I entered it a few years ago and came away with third place and an honorable mention. And I got a lovely autographed book from Tina for my effort. The reason I particularly enjoyed her contest was because I got a chance to just sit down and brainstorm ideas. One wonderful first sentence after the other.

In my idea file, I have tons of first sentences, and someday…I’ll write complete books to go along with them.

All right, I’m not saying the guy from Capote isn’t a good actor…but, PLEASE! No way should he have won the Oscar over Joaquin Phoenix.

Yes, in case you haven’t guessed, I’m a serious Joaquin fan. The guy is enormously talented (no, I don’t just like him for his looks–that’s just a bonus). I loved him in The Gladiator. No one does crazy like he does. And he stole the show in Signs. Swing hard, Joaquin, swing hard.

And he’s the reason I saw Walk the Line twice. The guy just has talent. But, unfortunately, he doesn’t have an Oscar…on account of the fact that He Was Robbed!

Okay…I haven’t even started my NIAW (Novella in a Week) and I’m already behind. Dang. Talk about not being cool.

I anticipate that I’ll actually be starting my NIAW on Wednesday (I SHOULD be done with my current WIP by then). I’m still trying to rope my friends into doing it with me (Felecia, Ashley…don’t make me hunt you down! I’ll do it!). I’ve found that if I can get others to do a project like this with me, I’m more likely to stay focused…on account of I feel like I’m competing with them, and I’ve got to stay strong in my game!

So…I’m not a big fat liar. I’m just behind. Sigh.

Rachelle Chase is running an interesting contest–writers are being asked to send in the first 1,000 words (or less) of their unpublished novels/novellas. The first place winner will recieve a manuscript critique or a proposal/submission critique by Leigh Michaels (multi-published author), PLUS lots of other fabulous prizes! 🙂

So, if you’ve got a novel or novella that you’re working on, head over to Rachelle’s website and check out her contest. A critique could be waiting for you!!!

Egad. I saw a really, really bad movie a few hours ago. And no, I’m not talking “good” bad. I just mean sucky.

Please, if you were thinking about going to see Ultraviolent…save your money. You’ll be better off just waiting until it hits video in few weeks.

I was intrigued by the movie because I knew the heorine was a pseudo-vampire. But, not even my love of vamps could save this flick. Let me tell you why:

1. Back story dump. There is a HUGE back story dump at the beginning of this movie. After the heorine spent five minutes telling what was happening in her world, I thought, “Come again?”
2. The vampires aren’t fully explained. Yes, they became vampires after they got a virus, I got that. But…I needed more info. What would kill them? (It looked like almost anything could.) Did they age? Why were some stronger than others?
3. Effects were just too unbelieveable. The director was obviously green screen happy.

Normally, I like Milla Jovovich. She plays cool, kick-ass characters. And, well, her character in Ultraviolent definitely kicked ass…over and over again. One fight scene followed another and another and another.

If anyone out there is a fan of Milla’s, I’d recommend that you watch Resident Evil instead of her current release. Resident Evil has the high kick-ass factor, without the I’m-Too-Bored-Please-End-Now feeling.