Can you give more examples of good opening sentences for short stories?

Sure. 'The old house stood alone on the hill, its windows like empty eyes staring into the abyss.' This gives a spooky and desolate feeling right from the start. The comparison of the windows to 'empty eyes' is vivid and makes the house seem almost alive in a menacing way.

Sure. 'All children, except one, grow up.' from 'Peter Pan' by J.M. Barrie. This sentence is both sad and mysterious, making the reader wonder why this one child doesn't grow up.

Sure. 'As I walked into the abandoned asylum, a chill ran down my spine that had nothing to do with the cold.'

An opening sentence could be 'The first time they touched, it was as if an electric current ran through their veins, a sign that something extraordinary was about to begin.' This sentence focuses on the physical connection between the two characters. It creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, making the reader eager to find out what this extraordinary thing will be. It also plays on the common trope of a special, almost magical connection between lovers.

You could also end a story with 'As the last page turned, the characters' lives became a part of the reader's heart, and their story would be told again and again.' This ending emphasizes the connection between the story and the reader. It makes the reader feel like they are an important part of the story's continuation, that they will carry the story with them and perhaps share it with others.

Sure. In 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' This opening draws the reader in as it implies there's some important advice and that the narrator has been reflecting on it. It gives a personal touch and sets the stage for the story about the narrator's experiences with Gatsby.

Good opening sentences that have an emotional impact are often very relatable. For example, 'I watched as my best friend walked away, and I knew our lives would never be the same.' This can make readers think of their own experiences of losing a friend. 'She held the letter in her trembling hands, knowing it held either the best or the worst news of her life.' It builds suspense and also plays on the emotions of anxiety and anticipation. These sentences are powerful because they tap into deep - seated emotions that most people can understand.

Here's another one: 'She found the letter in the attic, yellowed with age and filled with secrets she never knew existed.' This opening line starts with an object (the letter) that is likely to be central to the story. The fact that it's old and has secrets makes the reader want to know more about it and how it will impact the character.

Well, how about 'The clock on the wall stopped ticking, and then a cold hand gripped her shoulder from behind.' This combines the sudden malfunction of a common object like a clock with the physical touch of something unknown and cold. Or 'The moon was blood - red, casting an ominous glow over the desolate town, where death seemed to lurk around every corner.' The description of the moon's color and the desolate town creates a very menacing and horror - filled setting.

Sure. 'All children, except one, grow up.' This opening of 'Peter Pan' is very engaging. It singles out one child and makes the reader curious about who that child is and why they don't grow up like the others.