(November 1, 2013 at 11:44 am)John V Wrote: Sure. If you use a sentence fragment early in the book, readers will think you're incompetent and quit reading. If you demonstrate that you're competent for a couple chapters and then use one, readers will give you the benefit of the doubt that it was intentional.
Of course, this mainly applies to unknowns. An established author has, well, already established credibility, and can break the rules on the first page if he chooses.
I see your point, and it is a very valid one, indeed.
Although I think there could be exceptions, like if the story was first person.
Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own - Bertrand Russell
