Can you list some common ways to start a short story?

Sure. Starting with a mystery is good. For instance, 'The package arrived on a Tuesday, unmarked and unaddressed. Who sent it and what was inside?' This makes the reader want to keep reading to find out.

Sure. Meeting at a concert of a favorite band can be a great start. The shared love for the music can spark an instant connection. Another way is through online dating platforms. You can match with someone who seems interesting and start chatting.

Sure. For beginners, starting with a simple but engaging description is good. Like 'The small cottage by the lake looked peaceful in the morning sun.' It's easy to write and gives a nice starting point. Another is to start with a basic dialogue, such as 'Hello? Is anyone there?' It gets the story going. Starting with a character's goal can also work. 'She wanted to find the missing key at all costs.'

A good way is to start with a dream sequence. Show the main character having a vivid and prophetic dream that hints at the events to come in the fantasy world. It adds an element of mystery.

You could start with a big event like a wedding. The two main characters could be guests at the same wedding. They are seated at the same table and start chatting. There's the atmosphere of love in the air from the wedding, and it can inspire their own potential romance. It's a setting full of possibilities for a new relationship to begin.

Yes. A way is to use symbolism. For example, a broken mirror could symbolize a broken relationship. It adds depth to your story. Also, vary your sentence structure. Use short, punchy sentences for action or drama, and longer, more descriptive sentences for setting the scene. And limit the number of characters. In a short story, it's better to focus on a few well - developed characters rather than having a large cast that you can't fully develop.

A good way to start a novel is to pose a question. For instance, 'What if the world as we know it ended tomorrow?' This makes the reader think and draws them into the story as they seek the answer.

Begin with a character's internal monologue that reveals their deep - seated desires or fears. For example, 'He always knew he was different. He could feel it in his bones, this otherness that set him apart from everyone else.' This gives the reader an instant connection to the character and makes them invested in the story from the start.

Starting with a thought - provoking question can be effective. For instance, 'What if the world as we knew it ended tomorrow?' It makes the reader start thinking and gets them engaged in the story from the very beginning. They'll be eager to see how the story will explore this question.

You could start with a thought-provoking question. Like, 'What if the world stopped spinning? How would we survive?' This gets the reader thinking and interested in seeing where the story will go with this concept.