A good idea to start a horror story could be with an unexplained noise in the middle of the night. For example, the main character wakes up to a strange scratching sound coming from the attic. They're all alone in the house, and the sound is rhythmic and menacing. This immediately creates a sense of unease and mystery, drawing the reader in as they wonder what could be making that noise.
A great start could be a character moving into a new apartment. On the first night, they see a face in the window of the apartment across the street. But when they look again, it's gone. Later, they find out that the apartment has a dark history of disappearances. This discovery, along with the initial sighting, can be the start of a terrifying horror story.
Starting a story with a vivid description of a setting can be great too. 'The forest was thick and dark, the trees so closely packed that the sunlight could barely penetrate. The air was heavy with the smell of damp earth and rotting leaves.' This creates a mood and a sense of place that the reader can immerse themselves in, and they'll be eager to know what kind of story will unfold in this setting.
Begin with a strange discovery. Say, a young girl is exploring an abandoned attic. Among the dusty boxes and cobwebs, she finds a locked diary. The moment she touches it, she feels a strange coldness seep into her fingers. As she tries to open it, she hears a faint whisper in her ear, as if someone is warning her not to. This discovery can set the stage for a horror story filled with mystery and the unknown.
Begin with a unique character. A young girl who can communicate with animals but is shunned by her village because of it. One day, a talking fox comes to her and tells her that she is the key to saving their enchanted forest from a dark force. This character's situation immediately draws the reader into the story and its fantasy elements.
You could start with a strange dream. For example, the main character wakes up in a world where the sky is purple and the grass is made of crystals. This immediately creates a sense of mystery and a different world for the reader to be curious about.
Start by introducing a mysterious object. For instance, a young girl discovers an old, ornate box in her attic. It has strange symbols carved on it and gives off an icy cold feeling when she touches it. She can't resist the urge to open it, and as she does, a gust of cold wind blows through the attic, even though all the windows are closed. This object can then be the centerpiece around which the horror of the story unfolds.
You could begin a scary story with a strange sound or shadow that catches the main character's attention. It builds suspense right away. For example, a mysterious howl in the forest or an unexplained silhouette at the window.
One good line to start a story could be 'In the dead of night, a strange noise woke me up.' A story could be about a person who discovers a hidden portal in their attic when they go to investigate the noise. Another starting line 'The old, creaky door swung open, revealing a world I had never seen before.' You could build a story around a character entering a magical realm through that door. And 'As the sun dipped below the horizon, a sense of unease settled over the town.' This could lead to a story about a town haunted by an ancient curse that becomes active at night.
Begin by introducing a group of vampires living secretly in a small town. One of the vampires, a young and somewhat rebellious one, accidentally bumps into a new girl in town. There's an instant spark between them, not just because of physical attraction but also because she seems to sense there's something different about him. From there, the love story can unfold as they get to know each other better.