Starting with a character's internal monologue can be very engaging. It allows the reader to get inside the character's head right away. For example, 'I couldn't believe what was happening. How did I end up in this mess?' You can also start with a hint of the story's climax. This creates suspense and makes the reader eager to know how the story gets there. Say something like 'In the end, it all came down to that one moment.'
One great way is to start with a vivid description. For example, describe a strange or beautiful place where the story is about to unfold. It immediately grabs the reader's attention. Another way is to begin with an interesting dialogue. It can create mystery and make the reader wonder what's going on between the characters. Also, starting with a surprising event or statement can hook the reader right from the start.
A sudden, unexpected event can be a great start. For instance, 'The car screeched to a halt in the middle of the deserted road. There was no reason for it to stop, but it did, and now the driver was alone in the pitch - black night.' This kind of start shocks the reader and makes them eager to find out what will happen next.
You can start with a mysterious voice or message. For instance, the main character could receive an anonymous letter with a strange riddle or a voice in their head that they can't explain. This creates intrigue and makes the reader curious to find out more. Another way is to start with a dream sequence that is both vivid and a bit foreboding. It can set the tone for the rest of the novel.
A sudden, unexpected event can make for a great start. For instance, 'I was walking home on a normal day when suddenly, a hand reached out from the sewer grate and grabbed my ankle. I screamed, but no one was around to hear me.'
One way to start a story is to use an exclamation. 'Oh no! The alarm didn't go off!' This shows a sense of urgency or surprise right away. Starting with a time reference can also work well. 'On that cold winter's morning, everything seemed to be covered in a blanket of white.' It sets the mood based on the time of day or season. Also, starting with a contrast can be interesting. 'The city was bustling with life, but in her heart, she felt only loneliness.' This shows a conflict from the start.
Beginning a story with a strong action can be very effective. For instance, 'He ran as fast as he could, the sound of the approaching storm driving him forward.' This creates immediate tension. Starting with a character's internal monologue is also good. 'I knew this day would come, but I still wasn't prepared,' he thought, his heart pounding. Or you could start with a startling statement like 'The dead man walked into the room.'
Another way is to introduce a menacing figure right at the start. Picture this: a tall, shadowy figure standing at the end of a long, dimly - lit hallway. The main character catches a glimpse of it out of the corner of their eye, but when they turn to look directly, it seems to vanish. This makes the reader question whether it was real or just a trick of the light, and it sets up a sense of mystery and fear.
Beginning with a dream or vision that seems prophetic can be an interesting start. For instance, a young girl has a recurring dream of a world being destroyed by a giant, glowing orb. When she wakes up, she starts to notice strange things in the real world that seem related to her dream. This type of start adds an element of mystery and foreshadowing to the story.
One way is to start with a festival or a celebration in a fantasy world. There could be a grand ball in a castle where all the magical beings of the land are gathered. But then, something strange happens during the event, like a strange symbol appears in the sky. This combines a sense of celebration and normalcy with an unexpected turn of events. Another good start is to start with a character's special ability that they are just discovering. A girl realizes she can communicate with the stars, and this new - found ability sets her on a path of exploration and adventure.
Starting with a mystery is effective. 'There was a box. It had been sitting in the corner of the old room for as long as anyone could remember. It was unmarked, but there was an odd energy coming from it. One day, a curious child decided to open it...' It makes the reader curious to know more about the mystery object.