Nathan Bransford is spreading holiday cheer with another one of his truly entertaining contests. On the menu this time? First paragraphs. Fun Fun. I entered, of course, and if you want to enter head on over before there are so many comments the page won't load. Trust me, it happens fast.
For those who really only want to read my entry, I thought I'd post it here for you. This is the opening to a book that's awaiting attention: Relax, I'm a Ninja. It's the crazy story of Toshiro (Tosh) Ito, whose father runs a karate school...and also happens to be a ninja
According to my father, the first rule of ninjutsu is KISS: keep it simple, stupid. Of course, he says it all ninja-like, but that’s the gist. If you can walk down the street in normal clothes, there’s no need for black garb and grappling hooks. If you can kill a dude in two moves, don’t waste your time with three. And that’s why we run a karate school for all those little kids who get beat up at school—two ninjas hiding in the most obvious place, and the last spot anyone looks.
I love that paragraph! Great voice, and I love the idea of giving kids who get beat up a chance to protect themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt is a superb voice. And thanks for the 411 about the contest. I get his emailed posts late sometime tomorrow. By that time, I probably wouldn't have entered.
ReplyDeleteOne of my other friends told me about this and I entered too! Yay us. Love your first paragraph. How did you ever choose between all your WIP? :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I nominated you for a blog award. You can pick it up from my blog post on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteAlso like the voice, and thanks for spreading the word!
ReplyDeleteWhoa, did my blog just get cooler or what?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nate, I really appreciate the compliment and the visit.
And Michelle! How nice are you? Can't wait to see what I got nominated for tomorrow:)
Oh, and Kasie, I pick the WIP with the characters that are the most pushy. That's why Evergreen is getting ignored, sadly. Those danged elves...
Great first paragraph. My friend sent me a link to this too, and I entered my first paragraph... wait a minute... did Nathan Bransford just give you a compliment?!! That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteYes, your blog just got way, WAY cooler. Go you ; ) Go Nathan. Go everyone!
ReplyDeleteYou already know I like this; whoever told you to submit the first paragraph of Ninjas must be BRILLIANT.
Yes, Kierst, you ARE brilliant. Hence the whole agented thing:P Should I even dare say I wrote it out today? lol. It has been percolating for a while though, promise.
ReplyDeleteI want to read the rest of that now! When can I get a copy?
ReplyDeleteI came here via N.B.'s blog to say I loved that first paragraph. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYour Ninja story is very exciting already! I love that there are ninjas out there ready to teach the kids who get beat up to stand up for themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool blog. Wannabe my friend?
PS the pic of you and Nick is beautiful!
I love this paragraph. In fact, I love the whole idea of this story. It sounds like it's going to be hilarious. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I missed your blog while I was gone. However, I see that you have made crazy progress on elves and that pleased me greatly. :)
Nice opening. Very zippy. It's inspired me to put on my pyjamas and assault my noisy neighbour with a broom.
ReplyDeleteI love your opening paragraph! You got me hooked ;)
ReplyDeleteNatalie! I saw the paragraph and thought ... is that our Natalie?
ReplyDeleteAnd it is! How cool and well done and grats!
Okay, I apologize in advance because I didn't vote for you, but I CLEARLY VOTED WRONG because yours is the ONLY paragraph I still remember after all this time. No lie. Iloveyoudon'thateme?!
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