Wicked Wednesday - writing that first paragraph

It might seem like a lot of pressure... Okay, there is a lot of pressure on writers to hook the reader in with the first paragraph. Most readers need to feel an immediate interest in the protagonist and his/her story. It's a tricky feat to accomplish and even trickier to do so with paranormal romance. The stakes are raised because the reader is expecting something apart from the ordinary.

The first sentence needs to have a hook. Use humor or a surprising fact about the protagonist or his/her world. Keep it short and snappy.

Make sure your protagonist has a unique voice. Paranormal romance gives you a lot of room to create amazing characters. They do have to be human enough for the reader to relate to, but just a little tweak to the ordinary can go a long way. Also, keep in mind, something way outside the norm can turn the reader off.

Introducing danger immediately is an excellent way to hook a reader in. Paranormal romances tend to be fast paced and full of action. The tension and immediacy will set your reader on the edge of their seat.

Set the tone of your novel. A few shocking words can take the story a long way. Make it intriguing and quietly raise the questions your novel will address.

Three wonderful examples:
Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
Fallen by Lauren Kate

What are some of your favorite first paragraphs?

Please check out my interview with science-fiction romance author Aubrie Dionne and comment for a chance to win a copy of A Hero Rising. You still have two days to enter!