Or . . . . “How to write a ‘cool’ lead SACRED Or . . . . “How to write a ‘cool’ lead

S = setting “Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlor of Laburnum Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly.” (“The Monkey’s Paw”)

A = action “Mark and me went down to the bar/pool hall about two or three blocks from where we lived with the sole intention of making some money.” ~That Was Then, This Is Now

C = character “True! – nervous – very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am! But why will you say that I am mad?” ~“The Tell-Tale Heart”

R = reflection “When I was little, my Uncle Peter had a necktie with a porcupine painted on it. I thought that necktie was just about the neatest thing in the world. Uncle Pete would stand patiently before me while I ran my fingers over the silky surface, half expecting to be stuck by one of the quills.” ~Stargirl

E = event “The day after my mother died, the priest and I wrapped her body in a gray shroud and carried her to the village. Our burden was not great. In life she had been a small woman with little strength. Death made her even less.” ~Crispin

D = dialogue “Too many!!” James shouted, and slammed the door behind him. “What?” said Will. “Too many kids in this family, that’s what. Just too many.” ~ The Dark is Rising

Practice . . . Now, highlight your lead and . . .

Practice . . . 1. Write a new lead using one of the techniques we just discussed . . .

Practice . . . 2. Swap papers, read, and “steal.” Write another new lead . . .

Practice . . . 3. Cross our the first sentence of your narrative. Is your second sentence an even better lead??