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Crappy opening!!!

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Snowblazer
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 06, 2012 4:21 pm


So my opening line and paragraph sucks in my opinion. I don't know how to change it around. Any help will be appreciated.

The Orphanage gates rattled as the Owner closed and locked the chains, one of the workers carried a small bundle in his arms, they exchanged a few words then the worker handed over the bundle. The Owner set the bundle on the ground; it was a child, no more than two. He led the small child into the play ground. Orad jumped off the swing and ran over with the other kids; a new addition was a rare sight, almost as rare as someone getting adopted.
PostPosted: Sat Sep 08, 2012 6:21 am


The Orphanage gates rattled as the Owner closed and locked the chains. A worker had come carrying a small bundle in his arms. The men exchanged a few words then the worker handed over the bundle. The Owner set the bundle on the ground; it was a child, no older than two. He led the small child into the playground.
Orad jumped off the swing and ran over with the other kids to see the young child; a new addition was a rare sight, almost as rare as someone getting adopted.

Everything highlighted in red I changed. Some things I changed to add more detail or make more specific. Playground is one word. Hope this helps smile

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PostPosted: Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:53 pm


I don't really want to rewrite your opening for you, however I have questions for you that should help you to flesh out your opening.

What time of day is it? Does this orphanage have a reputation and, if so, is it positive or negative? What does the owner look like? What material is the gate made out of (is it wrought iron or a white picket fence or something else entirely)? Are the children afraid or just cautious? What does the child (bundle) look like? What does the building of the orphanage look like? What is the setting (on a hill overlooking a city or near the city limits)? What does Orad look like? Is the dialogue between the owner and the deliverer of the bundle significant? What do they say? What do the grounds look like? Is this a place that would make you feel peace or does it all look intimidating?

Those are all the questions I can come up with. You should be able to flesh out your opening even more by answering those questions. I would be happy to help out further if you need.
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