There are more queer characters in media now than ever. That is, objectively, a good thing. It’s also not an especially difficult metric to hit considering how few queer people have graced the small and large screens, or even the page, in decades past.

What does any of that have to do with “Hallelujah” or Casino Royale? My experience, until recently, was of the Leonard Cohen variety. It has been slow, monotonous at times. My desire for perfect dialogue and flawless plot lead me just shy of nowhere. In April 2023, I had my Casino Royale moment.

Your first line is very important, but so is your first paragraph and chapter. Most people won’t put down your book after one line, but you don’t get too much leeway. Your first line should grip readers, that’s the entire goal.