Another option is 'As the sun set, the silhouette of the stranger on the hill grew more menacing.' The time of day and the description of the stranger being menacing right away grabs the reader's attention. They'll want to know who this stranger is and what he might do. This opening also gives a sense of foreboding. For short stories, it's important to hook the reader from the very start, and this kind of opening does just that.
You could start with 'The first time he heard the music, it was like a key unlocking a door he didn't know existed.' This line is intriguing because it combines the mystery of the music with the discovery of something unknown. It makes the reader wonder what kind of music it is, and what lies behind that 'door' that the music unlocks.
Sure. 'The moment the train stopped, she knew her life was about to change.' This line creates suspense as the reader wonders why the train stopping would have such a big impact on her life. It makes them eager to find out what's going to happen next.
Sure. 'The moment he stepped into the forest, he felt as if he had entered another realm.' This line gives a feeling of adventure and the unknown. It makes the reader eager to find out what this other realm is like and what will happen to the character in it.
Another one could be 'The letter arrived on a Tuesday, a simple envelope that held the power to change everything.' The mention of a simple letter having the power to change everything is very alluring. It makes the reader want to know what's in the letter, who it's for, and how it will cause such a big change.
Here's another one: 'The moment he saw the strange object in the sky, he knew his life would never be the same.' This opening is great for science - fiction or fantasy stories. It immediately grabs the reader's attention by introducing an element of the unknown and the potential for life - changing events. It also makes the reader wonder what the strange object is and what will happen next.
Here's one: 'She opened the door and stepped into a world she never knew existed.' This line is exciting because it sets up a journey of discovery. The reader wants to know more about this new world, what it looks like, and how she will react to it. It also implies that there is a big change coming for the character, which is a common and engaging story element.
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.
Sure. 'Call me Ishmael.' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's a simple yet powerful line that invites the reader to get to know the narrator. It's like Ishmael is personally asking you to listen to his story.
Sure. 'All children, except one, grow up.' from J.M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan'. This line makes you wonder about that one child who doesn't grow up and draws you into the magical world of Neverland.
Another funny opening could be 'Once, in a place where the trees grew upside - down and the rain fell upwards, a young boy named Timmy tried to catch the raindrops with his hands, only to end up with soggy shoes on his head. It was a world full of topsy - turvy rules, and Timmy was about to embark on an adventure he could never have imagined.'
Sure. 'Call me Ishmael.' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. This simple statement makes the reader feel as if they are being directly addressed by the narrator, drawing them into Ishmael's story.
Sure. 'Call me Ishmael.' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. This simple line is so iconic. It gives a very personal feel as if the narrator is directly addressing the reader.