First Lines - Lynette M. Burrows

First Lines for Black History Month

This is a special edition of First Lines Friday for black history month. These titles are a sampling of the list given by Nisi Shawl in her “annotated list of 40 black science fiction works that are important to your understanding of its history”

First Line Friday is a series of blog articles posted on the first Friday of every month. The first line of a story, we’re told, must hook the reader. Implied is that the reader will not buy the book if the first line isn’t great. These entries are from Amazon, my personal library, or other online booksellers. Do these first lines hook you? Do you want to read more?

For first lines for black history month this is the cover of Blake by Martin R Delany on a black background shades of orange creates a woodcut-like print of a man with a gun over jungle style leaves.

On one of those exciting occasions during a contest for the presidency of the United States, a number of gentlemen met in the city of Baltimore.
Blake: or; The Huts of America (1862) by Martin R. Delany

For first lines for black history month this is the cover of Of One Blood by Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins and is a photo portrait of a black woman with a tall hat adorned with feathers and wearing a high collar dress.

The recitations were over for the day. It was the first week in November and it had rained about every day for the entire week; now freezing temperature added to the discomforture of the dismal season.
Of One Blood, or The Hidden Self (1903) by Pauline Elizabeth

This is the cover of Babel-17. Mostly black it has geometric maze-like designs in orange and yellow over the black on the lower half of the cover

It’s a port city.
Here fumes rust the sky, the General thought. Industrial gases flushed the evening with oranges, salmons, purples with too much red.
Babel-17 (1966) by Samuel R. Delany

Cover of Mumbo Jumbo is an orange background with the title and author name in large, bold block letters that are on different colored blacks

A true sport, the Mayor of New Orleans, spiffy in his patent-leather brown and white shoes, his plaid suit, the Rudolph Valentino parted-down-the-middle hair style, sits in his office.
Mumbo Jumbo (1972) by Ishmael Reed

Sold, to Mister Bascombe Wade of Willow Springs, one negress answering to the name Sapphira.
Mama Day (1988) by Gloria Naylor

As soon as he entered the room, Baines blurted out, “We want you to find us a viable human heart, fast.”
Brown Girl in the Ring (1998) by Nalo Hopkinson

I awoke to darkness.
I was hungry—starving!—and in pain.
Fledgling (2005) by Octavia E. Butler

When I was eight, my papai took me to the part to watch a king die.
The Summer Prince (2013) by Alaya Dawn Johnson
The Summer Prince (2013) by Alaya Dawn Johnson

I sang a song as I sprang from the womb—which is not unusual.
The Record Keeper (2019) by Agnes Gomillion

Lisette Toutournier sighed. She breathed in again, out, in, the marvelous air smelling of crushed stems, green blood bruised and roused by her progress along this narrow forest path.
Everfair: A Novel (2016) by Nisi Shawl

Clarification

There are no affiliate links in this post. I don’t make a cent off of the books listed on this page. Usually these titles are pulled at random. They are here for your enjoyment. And to entice you to buy more books.

I’ve constructed this list with deep gratitude to Nisi Shawl’s post “A Crash Course in the History of Black Science Fiction”

Do You Want to Read More?

Did you enjoy this list? Check out previous First Line Fridays posts. Want to read more stories by black science fiction authors? Check out this list of stories available online compiled by Nnedi Okorafor

Which of the First Lines in honor of black history month spoke to you? Did you buy it?

Strong Female Characters for First Line Friday

Many readers buy a book based on the first line. Do you? These entries are from Amazon, my personal library, or other online booksellers. This first line Friday post features recent science fiction with strong female characters.

Iron Widow is an example of science fiction with strong female characters. The cover shows a Chinese woman from the back, half turned back toward the viewier with what looks like gigantic feathers in front of and behind her.

The Hundruns were coming. A whole herd of them, rumbling across the wilds, stirring up a dark storm of dust through the night.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Claw Resurgence is an example of science fiction with strong female characters. The cover shows a pale blue background with claw marks ripping through the background and dripping blood.

Wind-driven snow skittered past the tall windows of the Lawless City Hall, rattling at its aged panes as if seeking entry.
CLAW Resurgence by Katie Berry

An example of Science fiction with strong female characters, the cover of They call me princess shows a possibly steam powered machine coming through waves toward a mace holding woman warrior with her back to us

If I had known the banana split would be my last ever. I might have savored it longer.
They Call Me Princess (The Fallen World Book 8) by J. P. Chandler

No one speaks of the grace year.
It is forbidden.
The Grace Year by Kim Ligget

The bald guy at the front door was the least impressive of the guards.
CARDINAL: Book One of The Citadel Series by Riley E. Smith

Bags open, people. Power’s down. We’re doing it the old-fashioned way.”
Drained by Marc Daniel Acriche

Kayla Covington had been here before, but this time she was determined no one would die.
The Dark Side of Angels by Steve Hadden

Space is cruel to the human body.
In the Quick by Kate Hope Day

The six silver spheres atop their posts, one for each point on the hexagon that filled the center of the Arrival Room, spun with dizzying speed, and a bone-deep thrumming echoed throughout Earth’s Waystation.
Guardian of Shadows: A Nyx Fortuna Novel by Michelle Manus

The sun crested the horizon, and through the moist haze of early morning, crepuscular rays of light peeked around the silhouettes of massive stone pyramids and temples.
Sandstorm: The Legend of Adira by Monica Clare

Forgive me for a little self-promotion:

The giant bronze angel of death loomed over Miranda Clarke’s shoulder.
My Soul to Keep, The Fellowship Dystopia, Book One, by Lynette M. Burrows

Clarification

There are no affiliate links in this post. I don’t make a cent off of the books listed on this page (except if you buy one of my books). Usually these titles are pulled at random. They are here for your enjoyment. And to entice you to buy more books.

Do You Like Fiction with Strong Female Characters?

Your Opinion is Important

After you finish reading a book, consider giving the book a star rating where you bought the book or on your favorite book list site. A star rating a sentence or two about what you liked or didn’t like about the book makes a difference. It helps other readers decide if they want to read the book, too. It may also help the author decide how to improve their storytelling. Thank you for for your patronage and support of authors. It keeps authors like me working to write more and better stories for your enjoyment.

Want to Read More?

Check out previous First Line Fridays posts.

Did you enjoy this list of science fiction with strong female characters? You’ll put another enormous smile on my face if you tell me in the comments below—

Which of these first lines spoke to you? Did you buy the book?

A Science Fiction First Lines Friday

First Line Friday is a series of blog articles posted on the first Friday of every month. The first line of a story, we’re told, must hook the reader. Implied is that the reader will not buy the book if the first line isn’t great. These entries are from Amazon, my personal library, or other online books. Today’s post features Science Fiction first lines. (And maybe a fantasy or two.) Are you hooked?

The cover for Joseph Nassise's book Eyes to See have a young man standing in an alley between tow brick buildings. He's got an electric blue haze around him and his entire eyes are that same blue. This SF & F First line is arresting.

I gave up my eyes in order to see more clearly.
Eyes to See
(Jeremiah Hunt Book 1)
by Joseph Nassise

Cover image of Lightning Game is of a man looking over his shoulder and hovering in the air behind him is a larger than life face of a young blonde woman.

Rubin Campo stood in front of the small cabin made of mostly broken lumber his brothers and father had dragged or cut from the trees in the forest and pieced together.
Lightning Game (A GhostWalker Novel Book 17) by Christine Feehan

Cover for the Eye of Elektron has a red-headed woman in the center wearing a off the shoulder metalic bodice and chain mail-like skirt, she has something in her hand that is causing swirls of yellow and red

Dawn knew death awaited her at the hour’s end.
The Eye of Electron (The Sumrectian Series, Book 1)
by Leigh G. Wynn

Jane strained against the harness as the capsule shuddered around her, craning her neck for a better view of the ship they were hurtling toward.
Fluency (Confluence Book 1) by Jennifer Foehner Wells

There were quite a few interesting things about Johnnie: replacing his left had was a golden claw, he had no scent detectable to any creature on Earth, and he was the most infamous mercenary in two out of three Confederate states.
Beyond the Last War: The Wayward Mercenary by Claude McKenna

No one could have possibly known what was truly in the container.
Europa Contagion
by Nicholas Thorp

Your name is Emma.”
Emma wiped the tears from her eyes.
Blue are the Hills by Lilly Piper

Charlotte knocked over her plastic model solar system toy when she heard her parents fighting again.
Brazen Planet (Tears of Venus) by Gayle Katz

I knew I was different the moment I awoke…or came online, as the Masters call it.
Omega Force: Revolution (OF9) by Joshua Dalzelle

Clarification

Do You Want to Read More Science Fiction First Lines?

Did you enjoy this list of science fiction first lines? Check out previous First Line Friday posts. You’ll put an enormous smile on my face if you tell me in the comments below— Which ones spoke to you? Did you buy it?

Holiday Stories Earn a Special Place on Your Bookshelves

No, it’s not a first Friday. But there’s more to the holidays than A Christmas Story or ‘Twas the Night before Christmas. Some stories cross all the lines no matter the plot, no matter the holiday. Holiday stories earn a special place on your bookshelves. Hopefully, in this list there are first lines from old favorites as well as new and different stories for you to explore.

Image of the cover of Night of the Moon is a colorful drawing of a girl looking up at the moon. It's one of the holiday stories you might like on your bookshelf.

It was bedtime and Yasmine waited for her mom to read her a story as she did every night. But this night was different.
Night of the Moon A Muslim Holiday Story
Hena Khan (Author), Julie Paschkis (Illustrator)

Old Bear awoke from his winter sleep. He poked his nose outside of his den.
Hanukkah Bear,
Eric A. Kimmel (Author), Mike Wohnoutka (Illustrator)

“Really. It’s fine, honey. You couldn’t have predicted a bird bombing as soon as you stepped out of the house….”
Frisky Connections: A steamy, modern dating, Hannukah,
romcom novelette. (The Frisky Bean) Michelle Mars

One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies.
The Gift of the Magi, O. Henry

The house is called Enysyule.
Enysyle. The word lingers on my lips like honey from a spoon.
The Cat of Yule Cottage:
A Magical Tale of Romance, Christmas and Cats, Lili Hayward

It was biting cold, the sort of cold that burns into your bones. It was snowing and so dark that evening before Christmas.
The Little Match Girl, Hans Christian Andersen

Santa Claus lives in the Laughing Valley, where stands the enormous, meandering aimlessly palace in which his toys are made.
A Kidnapped Santa Claus, L. Frank Baum

And look at this! A storm system is making its way across the country, and it will bring heavy snow to the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes before wreaking havoc on the East Coast.
The Secret of Snow, Viola Shipman

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The Night Before Christmas,
Clement C. Moore (Author) and Charles Santore (Illustrator)

Clarification

If you liked those first lines, I hope you’ll love these:

The giant bronze angel of death loomed over Miranda Clarke’s shoulder.

My Soul to Keep, Book One in the Fellowship Dystopia series by Lynette M. Burrows

Fellowship.

Do You Want to Read More?

Did you enjoy this list? Check out previous First Line Fridays. You’ll put another enormous smile on my face if you tell me in the comments below— Which ones spoke to you? Did you buy it?

A Touch of Vegas on First Line Friday

First Line Friday is a series of blog articles posted on the first Friday of every month. The first line of a story, we’re told, must hook the reader. Implied is that the reader will not buy the book if the first line isn’t great. These entries are a sampling from the authors I met at the 20Books writers conference in Vegas. Do these first lines hook you into reading more?

This first line Friday Book cover for Selfsame shows the back of a female in a red cape standing on a rocky outcropping facing a distant castle-like building or city.

Aria dropped her spear on the grass and stepped into the water’s edge.
SelfsamE
Lower Earth Rising Book 1
Eden Wolfe

This first line Friday book cover the Princess of Shadows shows woman with long brown hair and a purple gown 3/4 turned toward a valley and toward a castle on a mountain top across the valley against a dark sky filled with lightening bolts

Air rushed into Lina’s lungs. Her eyes snapped open, but she saw only darkness.
Princess of Shadows:
The Princess and the Pea Retold (Fairy Tale Adventures)
A. G. Marshall

This first line Friday book cover for the Pulse with two men and a boy holding weapons and standing with their backs to the camera looking out of a cave-like place toward a city

The sunlight breaks through the blinds like a hot knife cutting through a stick of butter.
The Pulse
Greenlight Boys Book 1
Daniel MacLagan

In the top third of this first line Friday book cover for The Lost Yearsis a round clock shape photograph of a city inside a frame that looks like gears. The clock hands shows four o'clock and in the smaller portion of the photograph the city is in ruins

A small, white corner protruded from the damp ground, barely waving in the gentle breeze.
The Lost Years:
The Palumbra Chronicles: Book One
L. D. Fairchild

This first line Friday book cover for Project Dandelion has a woman wearing a gas mask with a worn flag behind her.

Katrina wanted to scream. Instead she rolled onto her belly and stretched her arms underneath the thin pillow.
Project Dandelion
Project Dandelion Book 1
Heather Carson

This first line Friday book cover for Lies the Guardians tell has a woman with long brown hair and her arms crossed on the top half. On the bottom half is a dome over a city

“Is there a problem, Sierra?”
Claudia loomed over Sierra’s desk, a scowl on her face, the emerald-tree orb on the head of her staff pulsing in unison with the blue luminescence that lit the walls of the classroom.
Lies The Guardians Tell
Lies of The Guardians Book 1
Herman Steuernagel

This first line Friday book cover for Upload has a textured background in a wine red color with an eye in the center. In front of the eye are a pair of crossed swords.

Jett is pure adrenaline. Even with a shackle on her right ankle, she can’t stand still, shifting weight from one foot to the other.
Upload
The Daughter of Rebellion
J Lynn Hicks

Clarification

Even though these are authors I met at the conference in Vegas, there are no affiliate links in this post. I don’t make a cent off of the books listed on this page. These titles are here for your enjoyment. And to entice you to buy more books. Buy books from Indie authors like these and you make a direct difference in that author’s life. Leave a review and you help the author and any reader looking for a similar book.

Do You Want to Read More?

Did you enjoy a touch of Vegas on First Line Friday? Check out previous First Line Fridays. You’ll put another enormous smile on my face if you tell me in the comments below— Which ones spoke to you? Did you buy it?