Opening Paragraphs To Hook the Reader #AmWriting

Iolani Palace in Honolulu on Oahu, Hawaii
the only royal palace in the USA
(recent photo)

At a Hawaii Fiction Writers workshop, authors read opening paragraphs of their current writing projects. Good opening sentences draw the reader into the writer's world to immediately hook them with promises of an action-filled thriller, conflicting emotions of a true romance, or unfolding drama in a historical novel. 

Author and Mental Health Professional, Joy Ogawa, who was born and raised in Hawaii and states she has been creating worlds and characters since age five, was invited to share news of her recently published debut historical novel: Victoria Ward and the Gilded Age of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Opening lines of Joy Ogawa's historical novel introduce the reader to the regal side of the 19th century Hawaiian Kingdom, showcasing protagonist Victoria Kathleen Robinson Ward and her family.

The Kingdom of Hawai'i

O'ahu

Iolani Palace

A beautiful part-Hawaiian, part-Caucasian woman fusses over her daughters’ Victorian finery as they exit the carriage. She arranges them in order by age, except for the guest of honor. The palace doors open, and the Royal Hawaiian Guard announce their arrival. “Your Majesty, introducing Ms. Annie Eva Theresa Einei Ward, debutant, the fourth daughter of Mrs. Victoria Kathleen Robinson Ward and the late Mr. Curtis Perry Ward. She is accompanied by her six sisters and brother-in-law.” 

King David Laʻamea Kamananakapu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua is a charming and handsome modern renaissance man who cuts a dashing figure in his ceremonial Victorian English royal and military dress with fashionable bushy mutton chops. Jovial, his brown eyes sparkle with delight as he formally receives the Ward family.

Ogawa, Joy (2024-01-04T22:58:59.000). Victoria Ward and the Gilded Age of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Austin Macauley Publishers. Kindle Edition.

*****

Synopsis:   

1889, Iolani Palace, O'ahu: The majestic Hawaiian Kingdom teeters on the brink of oblivion. At its heart stands Victoria Ward, a woman of royal Hawaiian blood, bound by her lineage and duty. Armed with vast lands, ancient cultural rituals, and the unwavering loyalty of her villagers, she becomes the beacon of hope for a nation under threat.

From my Book Review:

Excellently researched and professionally written history of Hawaii alii, royalty, and family life on Oahu right up to present day headlines. Victoria Robinson Ward's strong family focus and tough business sense are highlighted throughout.

*****

More on "opening lines/paragraphs from "Operation Awesome (a group of writers)

Operation Awesome: Week #32 – Lord of the Flies by William Golding (operationawesome6.blogspot.com)

*****

A NEW PERSPECTIVE for 2016

Each New Year, resolutions float around like orphan plastic bags blowing in the wind. Some catch a down-wind and crash to earth. Others sail away to places unknown, never to be heard from again. A few resolutions stick close, tempting and pestering their maker. With luck, a strong trade wind will pick up and carry them away – very soon. One or two resolutions are usually worth keeping, though. Those should be nurtured, pampered, molded...well, you get the idea. 



Nana I Ke Kumu statue on grounds of Honolulu Hale

 

One of my brand new resolutions - I often carry over old ones from year to year - is to gain a new perspective on life. Not only in the arena of personal affairs, but a new awareness in all aspects of my life. The idea itself isn’t new. So I also wanted to develop a new perspective on gaining a new perspective! 

Hopefully my idea will be of benefit to others, also. 

 

'Iolani Palace

 

On December 20, 2015, I took the kama‘aina (local) free tour of ‘Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu. (Regardless the cost, it is well worth your time to see the beautiful architecture and period furniture on display in the palace, and to hear the history behind the unique monarchy of Hawai‘i.) When the tour ended, I spent some time in the palace basement where a display of 19^th century photographs shares space with the royal kitchen . . . and water closets of the era. 

 

façade of Kawaiaha'o Church

After viewing the Honolulu Hale’s annual wreath competition and the grounds around Kawaiaha‘o Church, I rested on a bench facing the Nana I Ke Kumu statue. That’s when the thought surfaced about how to develop a new perspective on gaining a new perspective. I could photograph sights I’ve looked at for decades here in the Islands, but in a way that gave me a new perspective on what I was actually seeing. 

detail of Nani I Ke Kumu

The photographs above reveal how I’ve always looked at these sights. When I took pictures from different angles, different perspectives, I discovered a whole new world of thought and purpose. In the weeks and months to come, I plan to photograph more sights with this idea in mind. My goal is to become more aware of my surroundings and to live life more fully. 

Again, my idea isn’t unique. For me, though, the concept is refreshing. It is a way to more fully appreciate my world of today. I will no longer look to the future for what might one day be; or even less productive: look back and try to figure ways to change what once was. I will begin to appreciate what is right before my eyes, truly seeing it . . . from a new perspective. 

May we all learn to live today, today;

and enjoy life:

from a new perspective. 

Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year