What are good ways to start off a fiction story?
Starting with a thought-provoking question can engage the reader. For instance, 'What if you woke up one day and everything you knew was a lie?' It makes the reader start thinking and they will be more likely to continue reading to find out if the story will explore that question. You can also start with a character in a difficult or unusual situation, like 'Trapped in the tiny attic, with no way out, Tom began to wonder if this was how his life would end.' This makes the reader feel sympathy for the character and want to see how they will get out of the situation.
One good way is to start with an interesting dialogue. For example, 'Where have you been?' she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger. This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what's going on between the characters.
Beginning with a vivid description can also be effective. You could describe a strange or beautiful setting like 'The forest was a tangle of gnarled trees, their branches reaching out like twisted arms in the thick fog that clung to the ground.' It sets the mood and draws the reader into the world of the story. Another option is to start with a sudden action. Such as 'The door burst open and a figure rushed in, panting heavily, eyes wild with fear.' This creates suspense and makes the reader eager to find out what will happen next.
