Thursday, June 27, 2013

The Perfect Opening Line -- Lost

The other night while out on the deck I had a sudden inspiration and a great opening line flashed into my head.

It was something like, "Everyone makes mistakes," or "Everyone has regrets," or "Everyone wishes he could have a do-over."

But it was none of those.

It was perfect.

It encapsulated the entire theme of the book in a single sentence.

Whatever it was.

The next day, I couldn't remember it. Only pale, lifeless imitations. What was I trying to say? What was the theme I had in mind?

I'll never know. No one will ever know.

It's gone like a bunny down a rabbit hole. Like a dandelion puff in a strong breeze. Like cold beer on a hot day.

Gone forever.

Damn, I should have written it down. I told myself to write it down.

It was perfect.

How sad is that?

4 comments:

Helen Haught Fanick said...

I think all writers have learned that lesson the hard way. Now I carry a notebook!

Steven J. Wangsness said...

Thanks for stopping by, Helen. Your book looks interesting.

Roland said...

I hate when that happens. Does this mean you're onto a new project?

Anonymous said...

When your mind flips to the trivial or passé, the inspiration -- the sine qua non -- is gone.

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