You could also begin with a character's thoughts or feelings right before the war. Say, 'John sat in the trench, his heart pounding with fear and anticipation, knowing that the war was about to start any moment.' Another way is to start with a statement about the cause of the war. Like, 'The long - standing territorial dispute between the two nations finally erupted into war.'
One way could be to start with a vivid description of the battlefield. For example, 'The ground was a desolate mess of mud and craters, as if the earth itself had been crying out in pain. This was where the war began for me...'
One way is to start with a vivid description of a setting. For example, 'The old, creaky house stood alone at the end of the overgrown lane, its windows like empty eyes staring into the thick forest that surrounded it.' This immediately draws the reader into the world you're creating.
One way is to start with an eerie setting. For example, describe a desolate old house on a stormy night. The howling wind and the creaking of the old wooden boards can immediately set a spooky mood.
One way is to start with an interesting dialogue. For example, '"You can't be serious!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what's going on. Another way is to begin with a vivid description of a setting, like 'The old, creaky house stood at the end of the overgrown lane, its windows like dark, empty eyes.' A third way could be starting with a character in an unusual situation, such as 'He woke up in a field he didn't recognize, surrounded by strange, glowing plants.'
Beginning a story with a strong action can be very effective. For instance, 'He ran as fast as he could, the sound of the approaching storm driving him forward.' This creates immediate tension. Starting with a character's internal monologue is also good. 'I knew this day would come, but I still wasn't prepared,' he thought, his heart pounding. Or you could start with a startling statement like 'The dead man walked into the room.'
One good way is to start with a question. For example, 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without colors?' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them curious to find out more. Another way is to begin with an interesting statement like 'The day the world stopped spinning was like no other.' It creates a sense of mystery. Also, starting with a character in an unexpected situation can be great, such as 'She woke up in a strange place, surrounded by people she didn't know.'
One way is to start with a mysterious setting. For example, describe a dark and enchanted forest filled with strange noises and glowing lights. It immediately draws the reader into a world full of mystery and the unknown.
Beginning with a mysterious character can be effective too. 'There was a man in a long, black coat who always seemed to be lurking in the shadows. No one knew his name or where he came from. His eyes were cold and empty, and whenever he passed by, an icy chill filled the air.'
One way is to begin with a loss. For example, 'The day he left, the sun never seemed to shine again.'
Start with a character in distress. Maybe a young wizard has lost his powers due to a dark curse. His struggle to regain his powers can be the starting point. It allows the readers to feel empathy for the character right away and be interested in seeing how he overcomes his problem.