An event can bring them together. Say it's a music concert. One character is a huge fan of the band and the other is a roadie for the band. The fan could accidentally bump into the roadie backstage while trying to get a closer look at the stage setup. The roadie could be initially annoyed but then they start talking about the band and their love for music, and thus meet.
A coincidence like a delayed flight. They both end up sitting next to each other at the airport lounge waiting for the same flight which has been postponed for hours. They start chatting to pass the time and that's how they meet.
One way is to have them meet by chance in a public place like a coffee shop. They could both be reaching for the last muffin and start a conversation from there.
You could start with an exciting action scene to hook the readers right away.
One effective way is to create interesting characters. Give them unique personalities, desires, and flaws. For example, a detective who is brilliant but has a fear of heights. Another way is to build a vivid setting. Describe it in detail so readers can picture it, like a fog - covered, mysterious old town. Also, a strong plot is essential. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with rising action, a climax, and a resolution.
Using the weather as a transition is effective. If it was a stormy night and in the morning the sun breaks through the clouds, it can mark the start of a new day. For example, 'The rain had finally stopped during the night. As the sun peeked through the dissipating clouds, the day began with a sense of renewal.'
One effective way is to use a character's reminiscing. For example, a character sitting by a fireplace might start thinking about a similar winter long ago, and this takes the story back in time. Another is through the discovery of a letter or a diary entry. If a character finds an old letter, it can lead to a story within a story, effectively transitioning to a different time or place. Also, weather changes can be used. A sudden storm might make a character remember a past storm and the events associated with it.
Property investment is a smart move. You can buy properties in the game like garages or businesses. As you upgrade and manage these properties, they can generate a passive income for you. For example, a nightclub can earn you money over time if you keep it stocked with supplies and promote it well. It might take some initial investment but the returns can be good in the long run.
Use a simple but spooky premise. For example, a doll that moves on its own. Then, build on that with a slow - building tension. Make the reader wonder what's going to happen next. Add in some jump scares, like a sudden noise or a face appearing in the window. And keep the story short and concise so the horror doesn't get diluted.
Well, first, make it sound natural. Use everyday language and avoid being too formal. Also, give each character a distinct voice and style.
Make the flashbacks short and sweet. Long flashbacks can bore the reader. Also, tie the flashback to the current conflict. If the character is in a fight in the present, a flashback to a fight training in the past can be relevant. And don't forget to make the flashback distinct in terms of language or style. Maybe the past has a more nostalgic tone if it was a happy time.
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.