Either way is acceptable. Lede’s is the old school way to refer to a “lead” in order to distinguish between an opening paragraph and the lead typesetting. I had to look it up to remember the folklore behind it. Here are a few links on the subject:

http://youngwriter.typepad.com/adventures_in_freelancing/2006/01/the_lede.html
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/teaching/EL227/2007/09/lead_sometimes_lede.php
http://journalism.about.com/b/2007/04/04/demystifying-the-lede-lead.htm

That’s a great lead! I get who, what, where, when, and want to read to find out the why and how. Great way to hook ‘em!

Coast Guards stationed off the small Island of Gangledon are still shaking their heads following last night’s rescue of Paul Magheels and his beloved dog, Penny.

Magheels, a thirty-two year old magician from Westing, Missouri, was reported missing last week when he failed to show for a performance at his seven-year old niece’s birthday party.

(sorry in three minutes that’s all you get)!

Wow. Caps Monthly – I can see that, you have to keep abreast of the leading theories and developments in caps. It’s times like these, when you see just how much the world depends on writers that I’m amazed that people really believe in the death of the written word. Or that if you don’t write for Time or the Washington Post that you’re not a “real” writer.

Well whenever you get writing, make sure your lead rocks.

You know, I had a temp job when I was in college where I worked as the secretary for someone in a pharmaceutical company. The first day I got his mail and saw a bunch of magazines with titles like, “Packaging Weekly” “Caps Monthly” and “Labeling Journal.” At that point, I realized there was a magazine for everything.

And maybe I’ll give you a small cut of the licensing, but not too much. I am well aware of how Charles Schulz really got rich. Oh wait, now I have to actually write something…

It could be a novel. Or it could be a newspaper article about your local Coast Guard crew, or about dealing with rambunctious pets. Or it could be an article for a magician’s magazine about dealing with difficult assistants, or it could be for an article about dogs and water safety, I guess…

If it is a novel, I’ll give you the 3% of sales, but I’ll keep the whole licensing deal for Sparkles toys, video games, etc.

P.S. Hey, Mr. Spik, that better be a period bad novel–there haven’t been checkered cabs in New York for a long time.

The man, held onto the dog’s harness with one hand while he reached in the direction of the Coast Guard’s hand.

“Why, you’re blind!” exclaimed the Coast Guard, “how did you and your dog end up on this stranded island?”

Grinnning the man replied, “Sir, a magician can never reveal the secrets of his magic tricks.”

And Linden, I meant thanks for the pitch compliment. Looking back it looks like I could be talking about fruitful…*shaking head to rid myself of that image*

Jenny BI’ll be looking for you, can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Skippy Good opener. Is this for a novel? Sounds novel-y. If it launches your book career I want 3% of sales. I could also see it as a feature…lol

The large, brown dog leapt out of the rescue boat and shook his fur with a flourish, drenching the Coast Guard officers who accompanied him. Tom Smith, leader of the rescue team, turned to Edward the Enchanted, Sparkles’ equally wet and tired owner, and said, “For your next trick, make sure Sparkles learns to come back to shore when you call.”

Ann — I’ve read some similarly bad intimate scenes from romance novels. My favorite term referred to her “fruitful love nest.” That’s nothing compared to the “jade love tunnel” though…

Deb: Thanks. I’d been playing with the post since Monday and then CNN posted the news on the contest. Talk about timely!

Hey everyone, if you don’t want to come up with a lead – share with the FWJ crowd the best or worst lead you’ve seen.

Here’s my sales lead to get the ball rolling on the writing prompt:

“How far would you go to keep your pet safe?

If you said anything you’re like Magician Michael Murphy. His dog Sparkles is not only a beloved family member, he’s half of the Murphy and Sparkles show. Murphy took the crucial step toward Sparkles safety by outfitting her with Canine 2000, a GPS tracking device. When Murphy and Sparkles were marooned on an island following a devastating plane crash, the Coast Guard used Sparkles signal to find the group.

For the introductory low price of $9.99 you can have the same device for your family. Find a lost pet or save your own life.

I know what you’re thinking…”

‘Magic’ pooch attracts Coast Guard rescuers to stranded performer. Magician Cheezy McPheezy and canine companion ‘Chuckles’ are recovering on the mainland after being stranded for four weeks on Laughalot Island. ‘Chuckles’ is hailed as a hero.

Why did I feel the need to be the first one to attempt this? I hope someone else can come up with something a little better!

GAG.

He’d wanted to enter into the world of romance writing and that was the line from his first romantic scene and all it did was make me gag and really struggle to keep reading the book. Some times, you have to be very, very careful when working with imagery.