What is the best way to start a story?
Beginning with a strong statement or a thought - provoking question can be great. Like, 'What if the world as we know it was just an illusion?' or 'Some secrets are better left buried, but not all.' These types of starts pique the reader's curiosity and draw them into the story to find out more.
One of the best ways to start a story is with an interesting character in an unusual situation. For example, 'The old man sat alone on the bench, his eyes fixed on a spot in the distance as if he was waiting for something that had been long overdue.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder who the old man is and what he's waiting for.
Starting a story with a vivid description of a setting also works well. Picture this: 'The forest was thick and dark, the trees so close together that their branches intertwined like the fingers of a giant hand. The only sound was the soft rustling of leaves in the wind, a wind that carried with it an air of mystery.' It sets the mood and gives the reader a sense of place right from the start.
