You can start a story with a sense of mystery. Something like 'He found the key in a place no one had ever thought to look. But he had no idea what it unlocked.' This mystery compels the reader to keep reading to uncover the secrets. Another good way is to start with a small, everyday event that then takes an unexpected turn. For example, 'She was making a cup of coffee when the phone rang. It was a call that would change her life forever.'
Begin with a dialogue. For example, '“You can't be serious,” she said, her eyes wide with disbelief.' It makes the story feel immediate and alive. The reader is plunged right into the action and wants to know what the conversation is about.
One of the best ways to start a story is by setting the mood. If it's a spooky story, start with something like 'The old house stood at the end of the lane, its dark windows like empty eyes staring into the night.' This creates an atmosphere that the rest of the story can build on. Starting with a strong emotion can also work well. For instance, 'Fear gripped her as she entered the abandoned building. She didn't know what awaited her inside.'
One great way to start a story is with an interesting character in an unusual situation. For example, 'There was a man who woke up one morning to find his house had disappeared overnight.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what will happen next.
One great way to start a story is with a captivating hook. It could be an interesting question, like 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without colors?' or a shocking statement such as 'The day the world ended, no one saw it coming.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read more.
One of the best ways to start a mystery story is with an intriguing event. For example, a strange disappearance. You can begin by describing the scene where a character vanishes without a trace. The suddenness and mystery of it will immediately hook the reader. It makes them wonder what happened and why, creating an instant sense of curiosity that will drive them to keep reading.
I don't think there is a universal best way. A good start for a historical fiction could be 'In the year 1812, as the war drums beat across the land...' which grounds the story in time and place. But for a contemporary coming - of - age story, you could start with a relatable teen moment like 'I was standing in the school hallway, my heart pounding as I waited for the results of the test.' Different stories require different beginnings to engage their intended audiences.
Beginning with a miscommunication can be really funny. Say something like 'I thought my friend said we were going to a 'zoo party', so I showed up in a full-on zebra costume, only to find out it was a 'juice party'. Everyone was just sipping on smoothies while I looked like I escaped from the safari.'
Starting with a vivid description can be the best way. Like, 'The dark, forbidding forest loomed ahead, its ancient trees reaching out like gnarled hands.' It sets the mood and draws the reader into the world you're creating.
Open with a strange noise. A continuous scratching sound from inside the walls, getting louder and louder. The character tries to figure out what's making the noise but is too afraid to investigate further. This creates suspense and a sense of dread right from the start.
Start with a strange sound or noise. For example, 'A low, guttural moan echoed through the empty hallway. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to figure out where it was coming from. This was how my nightmare began.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what's causing the noise.