Include these four key elements in your book's first paragraph

John Matthew Fox's advice on writing a standout first paragraph is straightforward and even fun.

Go to your bookshelf or ereader and just read each book's opening paragraph.

It took him less time than he would've thought — and provided him with some critical insights into the themes and elements of stellar examples.

Specifically, if you have characterization, a distinct energy/tone, mystery, and emotional bedrock, you're off to an outstanding start.

Fox examines three examples of excellent opening paragraphs from novels and highlights how those four elements work in them, in an excerpt of his book The Linchpin Writer: Crafting Your Novel’s Key Moments.