24 January 2002

Venue: ???’s

Write a first draft or at least a damned good start of the Women's Weekly Competition story. Any genre, but must have a strong female heroine. Max 5000 words.

Even if you have no intention of entering this competition, this is a good exercise. Concentrate on building a strong, interesting heroine, in any kind of story you like.

Pil's first lines

The line in the sand stretched away towards the horizon.

It was a day to remember forever.

Gemma Cleary slammed down the phone, crossed her long legs and waited impatiently for him to ring back.

Trailing his hand through the cool water of the lake, the newcomer watched the small blonde woman on the shore.

Looking around the table, Julia toasted her friends one by one, totally truthful for once in her life, leaving nothing out.

William's first lines

Janet woke up running.

As Peter lunged to kiss her, Roberta’s hand clenched into a fist.

Sally was drunk ... again.

A beginning is a delicate time, so why the drunken footy mates, thought Alexia.

The night was in trouble, she fancied the waiter more than Stephen!

Karen's first lines

Monday was a normal day: the sun shone, the kids fought, but the keys were missing from their hook.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.

Front row seats: see hear and feel things like never before.

A fish courses the small perimeter, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.

“I can't do this.” “Yes you can.”