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I wanted to throw in my two cents here, because "What constitutes a strong start?" is such a critical question for aspiring writers in all genres. Charles -- I certainly agree that judging fiction is intrinsically subjective, but this doesn't necessarily mean there aren't some common traits that make some stories more compelling than others. I've picked up literary fiction or romance novels that I couldn't put down, and scanned through some YA, sci-fi or fantasy that didn't hold my interest past the first paragraph.  As for action, many of the best sci-fi or horror novels and movies have very little in the way of "cinematic" spectacle, and way too many big budget blockbusters are just plain boring because they bludgeon you with non-stop action and special effects without bothering to craft characters and stories to care about. If I had to break down what hooks me, I'd point to three things: 1. Craft, 2. Voice, and 3. Conflict. Here's what I mean:

1. Craft: this is akin to the "compulsory" exercise figure skaters perform before the "long program"; without skilled writing, even the most creative ideas will fall flat. If the writing is choked with grammatical errors, tense and POV shifts, purple prose or rambling asides, pretentious musings and other author intrusions, I won't make it past the first few paragraphs. On the other hand, beautiful, tightly constructed prose will hold my interest even when the subject material isn't something I'd usually be drawn to. There's no short cut to honing writing skills. There are no "naturals." It takes thousands of hours of writing and reading well into the night to become an amateur, and a lifetime to improve.

2. Voice: this is a huge draw for me. If I'm not drawn to the character(s), then I probably won't read past the first few pages. I plowed through Catcher in the Rye (cliché, I know, but there's a reason this "first YA" novel is so popular) because of Holden Caulfield's voice. He had me hooked from his first jaded "If you really want to know about it" comment. Same with Rick Yancey's "5th Wave." I didn't buy the book because it features aliens exterminating humans. I loved Cassie Sullivan's voice, from the first line when she says: "Aliens are stupid." Whether you write fantasy, sci-fi, romance or literary fiction, your story (or movie) will be easy to put down if you don't create compelling characters. This is especially critical for literary fiction, where most of the hook lies in the writer's craft and ability to create fascinating and realistic characters worth investing time in getting to know.  If you wouldn't want to hang out with someone in real life, why on earth would you spend hours reading about them?

3. Conflict. Without conflict, there's no story. This may sound obvious, but many aspiring authors seem to lose sight of this fact, or they just don't seem to care. You need to create characters that we love, then put them through hell. This hell may be emotional or through a complex and tumultuous relationship, or it may be a "Hunger Games/Battle Royale" type life-and-death struggle. Conflict needs to be present from the first page, preferably the first few paragraphs, and conflicts need to evolve and change, driving your characters' arcs. This holds as true for romance and literary fiction as it does for sci-fi and YA. In a page-turning romance, the protagonists must endure all sorts of emotional baggage, near-misses, false starts and obstacles before they earn their "happily-ever-after." In literary fiction, characters must grapple with a myriad of challenges (emotional, social, economic, sexual identity, physical disability, substance abuse, traumatic childhood, etc....).

So that's how I'd down what draws me in: writing craft, voice, conflict. I realize this may be a simplification, but these same principles apply for all genres (with the possible exception of Children's picture books and early Middle Grade). What do you think? Gray

Congratulations, Janet!

Congrats!

The updated site gives you the option of starting your own group, so if she's interested, she could start an erotica group and have folks who write/read in this genre sign up.

Hi Bimmy! I was traveling with the family for summer break, but just got home and saw you're posting again. Welcome back! I will keep an eye out for your WIPs. Gray:)

Nice! I think it would make a good cartoon or graphic short story, but not a full-length novel. If anyone can do it though, you can Janet!

Congrats to all SS 2016 participants.  A diverse, entertaining group of submissions this year!

I'd add Gillian Flynn if you're including psychological thrillers (and Jack the Knife, of course. That's a given!)

Terrific entries. Had fun reading these, so congrats to the winners and all participants!

Congrats, Janet. I saw the article you copied on fb. Sounds like you've been busy!

Looks great! Best of luck with the upcoming book release. Gray