Starting with a spooky character can be great too. 'There was a figure in the shadows, tall and gaunt, with eyes that seemed to glow in the dark. No one knew who or what it was, but it was there, and that's how the nightmare started.'
One way is to start with a strange noise. For example, 'In the dead of night, a shrill screeching sound cut through the silence like a knife.'
You can also begin with a mysterious setting. Say something like 'The old, abandoned house at the end of the lane stood there, its broken windows like empty eye sockets, and that's where our story begins.' This immediately sets an eerie mood.
Begin with a strange sound. You could write, 'In the dead of night, a low, grating moan echoed through the forest. It was a sound that sent shivers down the spine of anyone who heard it, yet no one could tell where it came from.' This immediately creates a sense of mystery and fear.
Begin with a spooky location that kids can relate to, like an old attic. 'The attic was always a bit scary. It was filled with dusty boxes and strange noises. One day, when the kids were home alone, they heard a thumping sound coming from the attic.' This sets the stage for a scary adventure for kids.
A simple way is to start with a lost item. 'Little Timmy woke up one morning and found his favorite teddy bear missing. But he could swear he heard it giggling from under his bed.'
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 start with a vivid description. For example, 'The sun was a blazing ball of fire, searing the parched earth as the lone traveler trudged along the dusty road.' This immediately sets the scene and draws the reader in. Another way is with a thought - provoking question like 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be invisible?' It makes the reader curious and eager to find out more. A third way could be starting with an interesting dialogue. '“I can't believe you did that!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.' This creates intrigue about what happened.
One way is to begin with a mysterious setting. For example, describe a dark and enchanted forest where strange noises come from the thick bushes and an otherworldly mist hovers. This immediately sets a fantastical mood.
One great way is to start with a vivid description. For example, 'The sun was a blazing ball of fire in the sky, casting long, menacing shadows across the desolate landscape.' This immediately sets the scene and draws the reader in.
One scary way to start a story is with a sudden, unexplained noise in the dark. For example, 'The silence of the old house was shattered by a piercing scream that seemed to come from nowhere.'
One good way is to start with an eerie setting. For example, 'The old, dilapidated house stood alone at the end of the long, fog - covered lane, its broken windows like empty eye sockets staring into the night.'
One good way is to start with a strange noise. For example, 'In the dead of night, a low, moaning sound echoed through the empty house.' It immediately creates an atmosphere of unease and makes the reader wonder what's making that noise.