tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993333259367904565.post2499137908139289690..comments2009-07-06T03:45:49.678-07:00Comments on Elizabeth Rose Murray: getting published: Can I really start a novel with the word fuck?Elizabeth Rose Murrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02110713270475851580noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993333259367904565.post-91963658716862201922008-02-24T06:13:00.000-08:002008-02-24T06:13:00.000-08:00Taking the 1st sentences out of context I agree th...Taking the 1st sentences out of context I agree that the dialogue opener looks strong. But in the context of the entire first paragraph - which was the context in which I read the 2 comparisons - I was instantly drawn to 'Max was blind drunk and angry.'<BR/><BR/>3 reasons. Firstly, Elizabeth has quite a descriptive style and so the short, sharp sentence contrasts with the rest of the paragraph. Secondly, it stands out without trying to stand out. And thirdly I feel that opening sentences should mirror some of the content of the book. A huge part of the novel is Max's alcoholism, by getting this into the opening sentence, his character is set up immediately. <BR/><BR/>So for me, I find it difficult to grade an opening sentence if I can't see what follows.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993333259367904565.post-37097568848939534582008-02-14T01:17:00.000-08:002008-02-14T01:17:00.000-08:00yes, deffo. Iain banks did it, I think, in the was...yes, deffo. Iain banks did it, I think, in the wasp factory.<BR/><BR/>also, is one of the oldest words in english language so I’m told. saxon for something… cunt means sheath! for putting your sword into… hee hee heeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993333259367904565.post-21580270125674901852008-02-14T01:16:00.000-08:002008-02-14T01:16:00.000-08:00"Fuck" - as any Irish person will tell you, it;s t..."Fuck" - as any Irish person will tell you, it;s the ONLY word that should be used in most circumstances.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993333259367904565.post-10102588901809068352008-02-09T12:50:00.000-08:002008-02-09T12:50:00.000-08:009 Feb 2008 21:43i think it's a perfect word!seems ...9 Feb 2008 21:43<BR/>i think it's a perfect word!<BR/><BR/>seems that the radio in Belgium likes it with the new song i'm working on... so... who knows! seems like you will find your audience no matter what.<BR/><BR/>a work being good is in your own heart, i believe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993333259367904565.post-39515588957723564532008-02-09T10:29:00.000-08:002008-02-09T10:29:00.000-08:00When I consider things like this in my own writing...When I consider things like this in my own writing, I always remind<BR/>myself of this example of "tell" vs. "show":<BR/><BR/>Tell: Bill was a jerk.<BR/><BR/>Show: Bill walked over to the sleeping dog and kicked it in the head.<BR/><BR/>Show beats tell every time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993333259367904565.post-80039116837748659762008-02-09T09:15:00.000-08:002008-02-09T09:15:00.000-08:00Yes you can. If you believe the use of the word is...Yes you can. If you believe the use of the word is warranted and not gratuitous, you can.<BR/><BR/>Hope that helps,<BR/><BR/>DouglasAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2993333259367904565.post-34625734077860998472008-02-09T03:53:00.000-08:002008-02-09T03:53:00.000-08:00I'd say go for it.I know writing and film are enti...I'd say go for it.<BR/><BR/>I know writing and film are entirely different media, but it didn't harm 'Four Weddings and a Funeral.'<BR/><BR/>Besides, there are so many novels out there, throwing whatever you've got at the opening line to grab the attention of the reader (in whatever capacity) can only work to your advantage...<BR/><BR/>Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com