Yesterday, I introduced award-winning author of the Threads West, An American Saga, series, Reid Lance Rosenthal.
Reid has generously agreed to act as the sole judge the “Best First” Contest, and is including a critique to the winner!
Now, without further ado, let’s get to the contest details…
Entrants shall enter the first sentence to any novel they’ve completed, but haven’t published.
If you’ve written more than one novel you can enter the first sentence from each—just complete separate entries for each one.
Entries should include author’s name, title of novel, genre, and first sentence. (Use my example below as a guideline.)
Christi Corbett
Along the Way Home
Historical Western Romance
Every Wednesday Kate stood on the same front porch, her hand poised inches from the door, willing herself to do the unthinkable—walk away without knocking.
All genres accepted.
Enter your sentence in the comments section of this post.
Contest deadline is June 22nd, 2012 at 11:59 pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time).
Winners will be announced when Reid is done judging 
Prizes are amazing, and as follows…
Grand Prize Winner will receive a critique of their first page of their novel from Reid, AND books one and two of Reid’s Threads West, An American Saga, series…Threads West and Maps of Fate.
First Runner Up will receive a package of writing goodies (chosen by me and I always include great stuff!) AND books one and two of Reid’s Threads West, An American Saga, series…Threads West and Maps of Fate.
Second Runner Up will receive book one of Reid’s Threads West, An American Saga, series…Threads West.
Best wishes!
Moriah Densley said,
June 13, 2012 at 11:05 am
Moriah Densley
“Working Title TBA”
Historical Romance (Victorian England)
Lovers: They seemed to be everywhere, and they were deuced annoying.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 13, 2012 at 7:29 pm
Thanks for submitting Moriah
–and are these published or unpublished books?
Reid
Moriah Densley said,
June 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Unpublished, not under contract. For sale in the near future
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 15, 2012 at 7:54 am
Thanks Moriah!
Moriah Densley said,
June 13, 2012 at 11:09 am
Moriah Densley
“Mind Tamer”
Paranormal Romance
He almost ignored the sound, but the reverb made him pause – one mind in the crowd, echoing an unfiltered pastiche of every mental voice in a twenty-foot radius.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 15, 2012 at 7:55 am
And, good luck on getting that sale done!
ramblingsfromtheleft said,
June 13, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Christi, I look forward to reading the entries for this contest. The one above me for instance … “an unfiltered pastiche” … great imagery
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 13, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Howdy Ramblings! You ought to submit!
ramblingsfromtheleft said,
June 14, 2012 at 6:03 am
Good to meet you , Reid. I was reluctant to submit, because the staccato of the openings of two mysteries I am currently editing are actually more than “one” sentence and I didn’t want to cheat
However, a writer of a Western saga, might at least enjoy something on the extreme side of the country … Brooklyn, New York where they both take place. Ah, what the heck
:) I have been a rule bender most of my life anyway. Enjoy:
ONE: The opening of a mystery series featuring a photo journalist … Framed in Black and White:
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, 1967 … Toni loved the colors of darkness, found comfort in their shadows. The thrill of watching an image rise, draped in red light, rising from the primordial soup, a face, a hand, life beginning, images stolen, moments frozen, forever still in her hands.
TWO: My first attempt at romantic suspense, Deadly Puzzles, which I am using in an editing class with Margie Lawson this month:
January, Bath Beach, Brooklyn … Over the New Year, a steady snowfall blanketed the city and dropped twelve inches of white powder, snarled holiday traffic, and delayed citywide school openings.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 15, 2012 at 7:57 am
See, that was not so difficult!
You can’t win if you don’t enter! What’s to lose–thanks for entering.
torimcrae said,
June 14, 2012 at 3:27 am
Uhh, Christi. I think we’re in Pacific “Daylight” Time in the month of June.
;> )
christicorbett said,
June 14, 2012 at 8:48 am
Tori,
Thanks for catching that error. Making the change now
Christi
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 15, 2012 at 7:58 am
Truth be known–this cowboy is so busy I have lost track of what day it is!
artemisgrey said,
June 14, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Wooohooo! I’m FINALLY here to submit my entry! Ugh, after 48ish hours without power, and three ponies to haul water for… anyhoo, here’s mine:
Artemis Grey
EVERNOW
YA Dystopian
Life is so much easier without underwear.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 15, 2012 at 7:59 am
Thanks, Rachel–I can relate to the critter chores
creepymama said,
June 14, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Melissa Zepeda
Lavender
YA – Paranormal
The house had fallen on her mother, leaving Lavender standing by her mother’s grave on that cold morning in fall.
christicorbett said,
June 14, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Melissa,
Sorry for the delay in getting your entry posted. For some reason it got stuck in the spam filter of my blog. Best wishes!!!!!!
Christi
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 15, 2012 at 8:00 am
Thanks creepy mama–that is quite the moniker! I am chuckling.
Sharon said,
June 14, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Sharon Hunter
Pieces of the Heart
Romance
(Not published, still editing)
His over heard phone conversation seared at my heart, branding me with a new burning scar.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 15, 2012 at 8:00 am
Ahhh, yes–editing. It is endless, is it not, Sharon?
Rachel McClellan said,
June 15, 2012 at 4:16 am
Rachel McClellan
The Devil’s Fool
YA Urban Fantasy
I always knew my father was a monster, but watching him torture someone other than me made me ill.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 15, 2012 at 8:01 am
Thanks Rachel, for both this entry and the one below. Get those sombreros in the ring!
Rachel McClellan said,
June 15, 2012 at 4:17 am
Rachel McClellan
Unleashed
YA Paranormal
Claire pushed through her reflection on the glass and opened the door to Bodian Dynamics.
Linsey Miller said,
June 15, 2012 at 9:52 am
Linsey Miller
Threads
Young Adult Fantasy
Flames burned Flynn’s back, and ash fell from his mother’s lips.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 16, 2012 at 9:08 pm
much appreciated, Linsey–good luck!
Trish Loye Elliott said,
June 15, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Fun contest! Thanks to you both for doing it. Love the first line above about Life being easier without underwear. That sounds hilarious. This contest makes me realize that most of my first lines need work!
Trish Loye Elliott
Grave Secrets
YA Paranormal
Maxine MacCauley hated the dark.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 16, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Yep Trish–I agree…Christi’s unique idea should be beneficial to everyone, and fun for all!
Talynn Lynn said,
June 15, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Talynn Lynn
Found: Dead or Alive
YA Paranormal Suspense
My grave knocked on the door last night, but I refused to answer.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 16, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Talynn–great name, and thanks for cinchin’ up the saddle!
Violet Ingram said,
June 15, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Violet Ingram
DEATH BY HIGH HEELS
Mystery
Cops hate it when you vomit all over their crime scene – a mistake I had no desire to repeat.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 16, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Hah! is that Violet, or violent?
Thanks, Violet!
ramblingsfromtheleft said,
June 15, 2012 at 4:02 pm
ONE: The opening of a mystery series featuring a photo journalist … Framed in Black and White:
Toni loved the colors of darkness, found comfort in their shadows; the thrill of watching an image rise, draped in red light, rising from the primordial soup, a face, a hand, life beginning, images stolen, moments frozen, forever still in her hands.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 16, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Howdy ramblings! If Christi is fine with it, I have no problems–thanks for both entries!
ramblingsfromtheleft said,
June 15, 2012 at 4:03 pm
I have seperated my two sentences so you can forward them on in two different entries. How’s that, Christi ??
TWO: My first attempt at romantic suspense, Deadly Puzzles, which I am using in an editing class with Margie Lawson this month:
Over the New Year, a steady snowfall blanketed the city and dropped twelve inches of white powder, snarled holiday traffic, and delayed citywide school openings.
christicorbett said,
June 15, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Florence,
Perfect! I’ll be compiling all the entries into a word document for Reid, so you’re all set now.
Thanks for visiting!
Christi
Talynn said,
June 15, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Talynn Lynn
Only One Time
YA Paranormal Suspense
A man’s hand reached out from the smoky plated glass mirror and caressed River on the cheek.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 16, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Giddy up, Talynn–with this and the one below, I am thinkin’ you have the most entries at three–terrific participation! Go for it!
Talynn said,
June 15, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Talynn Lynn
Hope’s Redemption
Historical Fiction
Alura stood with Molly, Natalie, and Mary in the dwindling line of the captives.
Eric Satchwill (@Babseth) said,
June 16, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Eric Andrew Satchwill
Fallen Things
Urban Fantasy
Barnaby sat at the curved horseshoe of the bar, his back to the small stage where a band was busy setting up.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 16, 2012 at 9:17 pm
Your entry is much appreciated, Eric–thanks!
Eric Satchwill (@Babseth) said,
June 22, 2012 at 7:11 pm
Thank you! I thought I might as well throw my hat into the ring
Talynn said,
June 16, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Great then! I have one more. The sequel to one of the earlier entries:)
Talynn Lynn
Hope’s Refuge
Historical Fiction
Rain pelted down, splattering the mud-covered mound of dirt plastering Isabel’s grave.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 21, 2012 at 10:37 pm
relentless!
Sherry Isaac said,
June 17, 2012 at 6:38 am
Sherry Isaac
Ambrosia
Suspense
Toronto Union Station, cold as stone, cold as death.
Sherry Isaac said,
June 17, 2012 at 6:40 am
Sherry Isaac
Homecoming
Paranormal Suspense
Of all the four-letter words in all the languages in all the world, the worst, and the most complicated, had to be dead.
Sherry Isaac said,
June 17, 2012 at 6:45 am
Sherry Isaac
A Woman’s Place
Suspense
Yesterday morning, an Alabama arm of the Ku Klux Klan had planted a box of dynamite under the stairs of a Baptist church while twenty-odd Negro children listened to a sermon.
Sherry Isaac said,
June 17, 2012 at 6:49 am
Woop, my email address: sherry dot isaac at yahoo dot com
Some great entries! Kudos to everyone!
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 21, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Great Sherry–thanks much for the multiple entries–you and Talynn are gung ho–and gung ho is always good!
Sheila Seabrook said,
June 17, 2012 at 7:59 am
I love reading everyone’s first sentence. Good luck to all of the entrants!
Sheila Seabrook
Terms of Surrender
Contemporary Romance
Reduce anger, establish rapport, and don’t shoot the SOB until the hostages are in the clear.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 21, 2012 at 10:40 pm
I think my second wife said something like that
…thanks Sheila!
Carrie-Anne said,
June 18, 2012 at 9:24 am
Carrie-Anne Brownian
The Very First
Lower YA historical fiction, social satire
Cinnimin Filliard reached for the candy bowl on her father’s desk and popped a handful of gumdrops into her mouth.
Carrie-Anne said,
June 18, 2012 at 9:28 am
Carrie-Anne Brownian
You Cannot Kill a Swan: The Love Story of Lyuba and Ivan
Historical fiction, saga
Instead of walking to St. Basil’s Cathedral to marry his dream girl, Iván Ivánovich Konev is crying his eyes out in a broom closet.
Carrie-Anne said,
June 18, 2012 at 9:29 am
Carrie-Anne Brownian
And Jakob Flew the Fiend Away
Upper YA historical fiction, Bildungsroman
Jakob DeJonghe looked away from a German soldier as he and his mother Luisa headed home from the Waterlooplein market.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 21, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Carrie-Anne…another multiple entry fiend
Great!! Thanks much for the effort and time!
Sharon said,
June 19, 2012 at 10:55 am
Sharon Hunter
“The Winter Solstice”
Paranormal Romance
The full moon glistened over the empty bay intriguing my memories, mystic power, pure shimmer, glad they me moved here.
Sharon said,
June 19, 2012 at 10:57 am
Sharon Hunter
“The Rancher’s Wife”
Contemporary Romance
After attending this overrated culinary convention, the highlight of my day awaited me, a night out on Bourbon Street.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 21, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Those two entries are much appreciated, Sharon–good luck!
Sarah Fiete (@SareeseFeet) said,
June 19, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Sarah Fiete
Brink of Life
YA Science Fiction
Leroy Splinter was eight years old the first time he was arrested.
Sarah Fiete (@SareeseFeet) said,
June 19, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Sarah Fiete
The Revival Record
YA Contemporary
I’m not here to knock bagging groceries, but when you hear that’s what an A-Type is doing for a living, you’re going to be surprised.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 21, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Another double header! Go, Sarah! (the name of one of the main gals in the Threads West, An American Saga series, btw!)
Sarah Fiete said,
June 23, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Thanks, and cool!!
rrlippincott said,
June 19, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Rick Lippincott
It was a Dark and Stormy Night Series:
“The Sicilian Connection”
Mystery/Detective
The small 12 footer was tossed about the waves like a yellow rubber duck in a tub full of sumo wrestlers.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 21, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Was the water oily? Slip and slide?
Thanks, Rick!
Anonymous said,
June 22, 2012 at 6:38 am
You would have to read the rest of the paragraph – I think that sometimes we use too much description. I like to have Constant Reader use more of their imagination to complete the picture.
Look for a second submission this weekend.
I do appreciate the feedback!
Rick
christicorbett said,
June 22, 2012 at 4:30 pm
I’m going to jump in with a quick reminder that the contest ends tonight at 11:59 (Pacific Daylight Time). I’d hate to see your entry disqualified because you got it in late
Christi
rr Lippincott said,
August 24, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Reid – I want to thank you for getting me on the podium. I agreed with your choice for First Place. I would have picked that one myself. If you would like to read my opening to see how the first sentence fit. my blog is rrlippincott@wordpress.com.
I did enjoy your novels. In fact, my winnings, they made their way out to Colorado to my father who has really enjoyed them. Ciao.
Rick
artemisgrey said,
June 20, 2012 at 8:38 am
Artemis Grey
Gone Missing Girl
Contemporary YA
I have never been that guy.
artemisgrey said,
June 20, 2012 at 8:40 am
Artemis Grey
Thornbriar
YA Fairy Tale Retelling
The first arrow would have killed Beauty if she had not been lucky enough to trip over her injured coachman.
Reid Lance Rosenthal said,
June 21, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Thanks Artemis! Willhave to share a story of an arrow and a gal some time.
D.C. Menard said,
June 22, 2012 at 7:14 pm
D.C. Menard
Dangerous Waters
Epic Fantasy
‘They had come at night, setting fires that flickered through the windows and leaving death and destruction in their wake.’
BA Matthews said,
June 22, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Slipping in just under the wire here!
B.A. Matthews
Title: Falling Through The Threshold
Genre: Dark Fantasy
“Jarius was hungry but then he always was.”
L.S. Taylor said,
June 22, 2012 at 9:51 pm
L.S. Taylor
Sign of the Star
YA High Fantasy
A rider comes!
“Best First” Contest Winners!! « Christi Corbett's Blog said,
July 10, 2012 at 1:06 am
[...] “Best First” Contest winners have been [...]