Archive for the ‘David McDonald’ Category
Cold Comfort and Other Tales by David McDonald
published December 2014
where I got it: received review copy from the author (Thanks David!)
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Beginnings are important.
Like a first impression, an author has one sentence, one chance to make in initial impression on the reader. We’ve all come across lackluster openings, openings that didn’t inspire, or confused, or simply made you scratch your head. Maybe you kept reading, maybe not.
For me, the ideal opening sentence is a perfect balance between nowhere near enough information, and just enough to draw me in. Not unlike that first floral nose of a glass of wine – you get the aroma, a suggestion of what’s to come, but little to no information about the mouthfeel or finish you’re about to experience. You take a sip because that first scent was intriguing. The titular story of Cold Comfort and Other Tales has just the kind of opening I dream of: perfectly balanced yet minimal information with just the barest hints of the entire worldbuilding of the story:
Vanja shivered as the icy wind pried at her furs with cruel fingers
What a tease! and I’m instantly curious. Is she used to the cold? Was she planning on spending so much time outside? Is this normal weather? Time to find out what this wine tastes like. My first sip was fantastic, and it just got better from there.
the Little Red Reviewer 
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