FIC REC: Stalks and Bonds by the_con_cept (Also: How to Craft an Opening Line)

[amanuensis1]

You ask me what kinds of fics I like? I like fics with a first line like this:

“I’m cold,” Draco said in that crisp voice he used when he expected something done about it.

That's the first line from the_con_cept's loopily wonderful reversathon fic, Stalks and Bonds (parody threesome bonding fic, Snape/Harry/Draco). It's a lovely example of what I think is a perfect opening line: starts in the middle of the action, doesn't bother with exposition, tells me worlds about the character and attitude not only of Draco but of the narrative POV-person perceiving Draco's protest, and it's witty in a way that would suit both a humorous story or a dark ironic one. And it's the entire opening paragraph and it's not too long. You want to suck me into a story? Yeah. Do that.

The rest of the story, happily, is just as delightful--with an opening line like that, you know it's likely to be. 'S the nature of writing skill.

Comments

[xingou.livejournal.com]

I see you everywhere and I love your fic, so I decided that it is high time I friended you. I don't know why I didn't before.

::waves and such:: Hi.

[amanuensis1.livejournal.com]

Aw! *glomps* Thank you!

[xingou.livejournal.com]

Haha, you're welcome.