What are some effective ways to start a fiction book?

You could also begin a story by introducing a unique or strange object. For example, 'In the middle of the table, there was a small, glowing box. No one knew where it came from or what it was for.' This object becomes a focal point and the reader will be interested in finding out more about it and how it relates to the rest of the story.

One effective way is through social media. Authors or publishers can post interesting excerpts, cover art, and behind - the - scenes content related to the science fiction book. Another way is to get book reviews from well - known science fiction reviewers or bloggers. Also, participating in science fiction conventions and having a booth there can attract fans.

Another way is to start with a setting that is inherently spooky. For example, an old, abandoned asylum with peeling paint and broken windows. As the reader imagines this desolate place, it creates a perfect backdrop for the horror to unfold. You can then introduce the main character arriving at this place, perhaps on a dare or because they have no other choice, and the reader is already primed for something terrifying to happen.

Start with a sudden, unexpected event. Like a car crash in the middle of a desolate road at midnight. The protagonist is dazed and confused, and then they start to notice strange things around them. It gets the reader's heart racing immediately.

You could start with an exciting action scene to hook the readers right away.

One great way to get book reviews for short fiction is to build an author platform. For example, start a blog or a YouTube channel where you talk about your short stories. This can attract readers who may then review your work. You can also network with librarians. They can recommend your short fiction to their patrons and might even write reviews themselves. Additionally, look for short - story anthologies. If your work gets included, it may receive reviews from the anthology's reviewers or readers.

One way is to return to the beginning. For example, if the story starts with a character in a specific place, like a small cottage by the lake, end the story with the character back in that same cottage, but with a different perspective or feeling, perhaps having gone through a life - changing journey. Another way is to use a circular ending, where the last line or paragraph echoes the first in some way, like starting with 'The day was cold and gray' and ending with 'The day was still cold, but now there was a glimmer of hope.'

One way could be to describe an eerie setting. For example, 'The old, dilapidated house stood at the end of the overgrown lane, its broken windows like empty eye sockets staring into the darkness.'

You could start with a thought or a feeling. Say, 'I felt a sense of dread wash over me as I entered the old, decrepit house.' This gives the reader an insight into your emotional state from the start. And also, starting with a dialogue that you are part of can be interesting. 'I said, "I'm not going in there," but my friends just laughed and pushed me forward.'

Use a story that creates suspense. For instance, start with a story about a mystery that was finally solved. This hooks the audience as they'll be eager to know how it all unfolded. It makes them listen attentively to your speech to find out more.