How Important is the first line?💕
Plus, how I begin a new story. 💖
Happy Wednesday, dear friend and reader,
I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far.
As I begin planning a new story, I’m reminded of how difficult it can be to start that first chapter—and even harder to write the first line. That single sentence can pull a reader deeper into the story or make them set the book aside.
Which brings me to this week’s question: How important is the first line when you begin reading a book?
Does it need to grab your attention immediately, or are you willing to give the story a few pages? I’d love to hear your thoughts by email or in the poll below.
In this newsletter, you’ll find:
• One of my favorite opening lines from my stories
• The Heartthrobs series for your TBR
• An author feature
• A clean-romance podcast recommendation
• A look at how I begin each new story
• A reader poll
I thought I’d share one of my favorite first lines, written long before I understood how much an opening chapter can matter.
Meet the most dashing executives of Stone Financial Corporate office in San Francisco in the inspirational 'Office Heartthrobs' series. These men are brilliant, and successful, but beneath their polished exteriors lie deep emotional scars. Set against the high stakes of the financial industry, each man finds himself unexpectedly disarmed by the most powerful force: Love.
If you’ve read the first two books already, but you haven’t read the new story yet, here’s the link below!
FEATURED BOOKS THIS WEEK!
Unmasking the truth means risking everything—even love.
Miss Charlotte Winslow may be the diamond of the Season, but beneath her flawless exterior lies a secret—she writes for the Society pages. Years of hiding behind her carefully crafted mask have left her doubting her own worth and believing happiness to be a luxury meant for others. That is, until she crosses paths with Lord Luca Dexter—an infuriating, perceptive man who sees far too much and refuses to be ignored.
Luca may be the younger son of a duke, but unlike most men of his rank, he earns his living as the owner ofThe London Gazette. When he discovers Miss Winslow’s secret talent, he’s determined to recruit her to write for his newssheets. But Charlotte refuses to be reduced to mere gossip columns—if she writes for him, it will be for something that matters.
A CLEAN ROMANCE PODCAST!
A Place for Lovers of Clean Romance
Clean romance lovers, this one’s for you. Sarah and Tiffany open the door to real conversations about five-star books, swoon-worthy tropes, faith, and what keeps us coming back to stories that feel pure, hopeful, and deeply romantic. If you love romance that leaves you smiling instead of blushing, you’ve found your people.
THIS IS HOW MY STORIES START
I thought I’d share a page from my prayer journal—not to draw attention to myself, but to show you how each story begins for me.
Before I write the first chapter, I pray for wisdom, direction, creativity, and the time to tell the story well. Life brings plenty of distractions and obstacles, which can be difficult to quiet my mind enough to create.
That’s one reason your prayers mean so much to me—not only for my writing, but for everything happening behind the scenes.
Excuse my handwriting. Aren’t you glad you don’t have to read my novels this way?
God bless you and thanks again for being one of my greatest inspiration!
With love,
Rose Fresquez
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