tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post4183364301646834712..comments2024-02-16T05:30:02.319-05:00Comments on Jane's Ride: Best Last LinesJane Kennedy Suttonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12519340747761460017noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-53069907153543392262010-05-09T22:44:00.922-04:002010-05-09T22:44:00.922-04:00Great post! Last line can be more important than f...Great post! Last line can be more important than first line, for I always check out the ending first.<br /><br /><a href="http://steamydarcy.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow"> Steamy Darcy</a>Enid Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12248877161249788607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-74156219578115084972010-05-08T09:04:01.789-04:002010-05-08T09:04:01.789-04:00I found your blog via Karen Walker's, and I...I found your blog via Karen Walker's, and I'm so glad I came to visit. What a fascinating challenge you pose — to end with impact. Thank you! I'm enjoying all the comments too. What a delight to have lively, articulate readers.Sharon Lippincotthttp://losalamosgirlhood.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-80927900569828094602010-05-07T12:31:26.185-04:002010-05-07T12:31:26.185-04:00What a great idea for a post. Like Patricia I usua...What a great idea for a post. Like Patricia I usually judge a book by first lines, but your batch here make me want to go and read your selections. <br />Interestingly, these last lines don't give too much away. Rather than being factual, they are emotionally resonant. I suppose this shows a good last line encapsulates something about the whole emotional experience of the novel. On its own, we can only guess at the punch it packs.<br /><br />Hmmm... I think you may have started a chain of posts here... I feel the urge to blog.Roz Morris aka @Roz_Morris . Blog: Nail Your Novelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10088813423467048081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-85249245307440026072010-05-06T07:53:05.192-04:002010-05-06T07:53:05.192-04:00I have bookmarked this particular post of yours- i...I have bookmarked this particular post of yours- it is wonderful.<br /><br />And there is something for you on my blog.Natashahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00481081735923606868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-73875249128525330712010-05-05T05:07:57.705-04:002010-05-05T05:07:57.705-04:00I have to admit, I don't think I ever remember...I have to admit, I don't think I ever remember last lines at all. By then I'm usually wondering if I want to read the book again and what I'm going to read next. <br /><br />An interesting list though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-33511214877905661642010-05-04T22:44:11.844-04:002010-05-04T22:44:11.844-04:00I enjoyed this post, Jane, but I'm afraid my l...I enjoyed this post, Jane, but I'm afraid my last line pales in comparison to the great ones you've listed. <br /><br />The Great Gatsby: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-31360518940224009392010-05-04T21:50:39.253-04:002010-05-04T21:50:39.253-04:00Galen, since I’m currently reading and enjoying “H...Galen, since I’m currently reading and enjoying “Hearts of the Morning Calm,” I peeked at the last sentence. It’s actually a very good one, “The door was closed, the lock engaged, the journey complete, and Young’s sweet, sustaining promise…fulfilled.” I say Bravo! I think constant blogging is a lot more difficult than writing so I’m looking forward to Diane’s post, too.<br /><br />Thanks, Laura. I think Diane’s burnout topic is something everyone is interested in.<br /><br />Patricia, I’ll look forward to your future post and reading more cool endings.<br /><br />Darcia, that was one of the endings that has now made me want to read the book.<br /><br />Maryse, I love your analogy. <br /><br />Thanks, Marvin.<br /><br />Don’t cry, Elizabeth! Thanks for the tweet.<br /><br />Jan, isn’t it a great feeling to write those last lines! I must admit yours sound intriguing.Jane Kennedy Suttonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12519340747761460017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-2058953079844587872010-05-04T19:19:28.626-04:002010-05-04T19:19:28.626-04:00I just wrote my last lines today! Love that blog s...I just wrote my last lines today! Love that blog serendipity. I know I still have lots to do to get there but this is it - from 'True' <br />"I untied the medicine bundle from her belt and began the long walk back home. Home at last."Jan Morrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01771180344305042855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-30857106438802522062010-05-04T17:07:51.698-04:002010-05-04T17:07:51.698-04:00The Pooh Corner one always makes me cry!
I'm ...The Pooh Corner one always makes me cry!<br /><br />I'm tweeting this...<br /><br />Elizabeth<br /><a href="http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"> Mystery Writing is Murder</a>Elizabeth Spann Craighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15625595247828274405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-72982444026450395882010-05-04T14:45:15.852-04:002010-05-04T14:45:15.852-04:00Enjoyed the post - also will look forward to Diane...Enjoyed the post - also will look forward to Diane's visit!<br /><br /><a href="http://theoldsilly.com" rel="nofollow">The Old Silly</a>Marvin D Wilsonhttp://theoldsilly.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-45249754921893403402010-05-04T12:33:27.402-04:002010-05-04T12:33:27.402-04:00I do not have a novel but I agree with you: even a...I do not have a novel but I agree with you: even a short piece should have a great opening line, and a great ending. It's like tying a nice ribbon on a gift. :)<br />Marysewifsienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-45406076619511315662010-05-04T10:42:17.836-04:002010-05-04T10:42:17.836-04:00Great post, Jane! Also a good reminder that last s...Great post, Jane! Also a good reminder that last sentences are often as important as the first. <br /><br />My favorite was: Go, my book, and help destroy the world as it is. Continental Drift by Russell Banks.Darcia Hellehttp://www.quietfurybooks.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-78852159787519405682010-05-04T02:11:44.714-04:002010-05-04T02:11:44.714-04:00That's a great idea -- I've always looked ...That's a great idea -- I've always looked at first sentences instead of last ones. I'll happily borrow this idea for a future post of my own (and goodness knows I have so many books sitting around the house, I should be able to find some pretty cool endings).Patricia Stolteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17192369425956406122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-47825597781260681942010-05-03T22:48:19.200-04:002010-05-03T22:48:19.200-04:00Great choices, Jane! Hmmm, I can't think of an...Great choices, Jane! Hmmm, I can't think of any single last lines, only last paragraphs.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to L. Diane's post!Laura S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13934230198562773803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-89501011857969803832010-05-03T21:09:14.504-04:002010-05-03T21:09:14.504-04:00Hi, Jane...I have no idea what the last line in my...Hi, Jane...I have no idea what the last line in my book is...and, am too lazy to look it up. Probably not that great anyway.<br /><br />I'll be looking forward to Diane's burnout discussion, as I am definitely on that path. Apparently I'm not cut out for blogging and writing...or at least blogging. <br /><br />Best Wishes, Galen.joe doaks-Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05283066862112820202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-61584473892399596812010-05-03T20:03:57.431-04:002010-05-03T20:03:57.431-04:00Diane, I’m looking forward to next week. Burnout i...Diane, I’m looking forward to next week. Burnout is definitely a topic I think lots of bloggers are interested in.<br /><br />Mason, I agree, but I never gave last lines much thought until recently.<br /><br />Joanne, I thought the mayo line was funny, too. It’s true the Pooh line does have a touch of melancholy to it.<br /><br />Carol, that was my favorite too—maybe because I’m still waiting for someone to tell me:)<br /><br />Good luck with that last line, Stephen. I bet you come up with a zinger.<br /><br />Tamika, I’m ready for that talk, too!<br /><br />Elspeth, I’m kind of sorry to add something else for writers to think about (we have enough all ready), but now I’m thinking last lines are almost as intriguing as the first ones.<br /><br />Helen, some authors seem to have a talent for clever first and last lines. I know I plan to work on both of these areas in my future manuscripts.<br /><br />Watery Tart, the last line of Tale of Two Cities has stayed with me since high school and that’s a long time ago—I guess that’s definitely a memorable last line. And your last line rings so true. I like it!<br /><br />Arlee, the beginnings and endings are the hardest parts! My first thought in reading your last sentence is that Nineveh IS a desert place – but now I realize that may not have been true back in its day or that it’s meant as irony. The line is good enough that I want to find out more—and I think that’s the whole point.Jane Kennedy Suttonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12519340747761460017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-67844418380432025852010-05-03T19:24:12.325-04:002010-05-03T19:24:12.325-04:00My WIP, A Desert Place has a beginning and a end, ...My WIP, <i>A Desert Place</i> has a beginning and a end, but I still am working on some of the middle.<br />Currently my last line reads:<br /><br /><br />Joe had found his Nineveh in a desert place.<br /><br />Any comments? I'd love to hear some opinions about it.<br /><br />Lee<br /><a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Tossing It Out</a>Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-78836766602739462482010-05-03T18:01:19.062-04:002010-05-03T18:01:19.062-04:00My favorite is definitely the Tale of Two Cities l...My favorite is definitely the Tale of Two Cities line you already mentioned (best beginning there, too). I like the Prince of Tides, too, "Llewenstein." (I might have spelled that wrong, but he just just sending out a thank you into the ether).<br /><br />I really like my first books ending. A conversation between a small child and an old man where he's trying to explain why bad things happened. She says, "that's silly," to which he responds, "Oh, Hannah, a lot of bad things happen for silly reasons." Very happy with that.Hart Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599570189253229318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-9476853198633593622010-05-03T16:43:52.263-04:002010-05-03T16:43:52.263-04:00Love opening lines and last lines. They can make y...Love opening lines and last lines. They can make you keep reading (or put it down) and wish for more.<br /><br />Helen<br /><a href="http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Straight From Hel</a>Helen Gingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09794759602654727110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-9407833669453224192010-05-03T15:38:45.960-04:002010-05-03T15:38:45.960-04:00Great choices, Jane! I'm not sure I have a fa...Great choices, Jane! I'm not sure I have a favourite last line, and I know my last line isn't there yet. Thanks for giving me something to think about.Elspeth Futcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-32364133803287225362010-05-03T15:26:49.303-04:002010-05-03T15:26:49.303-04:00Can't wait for the burnout talk! Bring it on!Can't wait for the burnout talk! Bring it on!Tamika:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04874834971492028558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-34953059226513550212010-05-03T14:15:11.765-04:002010-05-03T14:15:11.765-04:00Mine does not have agreat last line. I thought it ...Mine does not have agreat last line. I thought it did until I added a few additonal chapters. I need to work the last page. Thanks for the inspiration. I'll have to think of something daring and clever.<br /><br />Stephen TrempAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-68381847067645042472010-05-03T11:41:34.370-04:002010-05-03T11:41:34.370-04:00I loved this one:
He waited for someone to tell h...I loved this one:<br /><br />He waited for someone to tell him who to be next. The Open Curtain by Brian EvensonCarol Kilgorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15168273312704732896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-85832986495566486382010-05-03T08:51:46.639-04:002010-05-03T08:51:46.639-04:00Two lines here really do it for me ... "Sorry...Two lines here really do it for me ... "Sorry I forgot to give you the mayonnaise," is one. Something about this line speaks of so much more than mayo. And of course the Pooh line, which always strikes a chord of sadness when I read it.Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03972054718663959694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2028602332732833042.post-53089605946163421002010-05-03T08:26:56.252-04:002010-05-03T08:26:56.252-04:00Enjoyed the best "last lines." Those are...Enjoyed the best "last lines." Those are the kind that makes the reader want a follow-up book. You read those lines and say, "No, it can't stop here."<br /><br />Looking forward to Diane's post.<br /><br />Mason<br /><a href="http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Thoughts in Progress</a>Mason Canyonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10935307400882363560noreply@blogger.com