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Famous First Lines
Featuring classic first lines from works across the literary spectrum, from Moby Dick to Fifty Shades of Grey, Famous First Lines is intended as a resource for those looking for a just little help getting that novel started. As you will see, not all of the suggestions offered below are still available. Feel free to post your own contributions to help our fellow authors.
THE GREAT GATSBY, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
First Line: “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.” (not available)
Alternative 1:
In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since: “never trust free advice.” (available)
Alternative 2:In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since: “son,” he said, “no good will ever come to you from attempting to characterize the ameliorative qualities, real or imagined, of your mother’s new trousers; you must leave the room swiftly without venturing any answer to her query.” (available)
Alternative 3:In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since: “Never,” he said… wait…no, it was “always”… I forget. (available)