Starting with a thought - provoking question can be great. Like 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up in a world where everyone had forgotten your name?' This makes the reader start thinking and gets them engaged in the story right away.
Begin with a mysterious character. For example, a veiled figure that appears out of nowhere in a fog - covered graveyard. This character can be the source of the gothic elements to come, such as dark secrets or a connection to the supernatural. It creates an air of mystery right from the start that draws the reader in.
A great start could be a description of a spooky object. 'I found an old, dusty book in the attic. Its pages were yellowed and brittle, and there was a strange symbol on the cover that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. As I opened it, a cold wind blew through the attic, even though all the windows were closed. It was a Halloween discovery that would change everything.'
One good way to start a halloween story is with a spooky setting. For example, 'The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the old, abandoned cemetery. Tombstones jutted out of the overgrown grass like jagged teeth, and a thick fog rolled in, muffling all sound.' This immediately sets a creepy mood for the story.
You could start with a character in a moment of crisis. That immediately creates tension and makes the reader want to know how they'll get out of it. For example, a person lost in a dangerous forest with no clear way out.
Definitely. Foreshadowing is a great start for a story. It sets the tone, hints at possible developments, and makes the readers curious, drawing them into the narrative.
Start with a strange character. Maybe a person who is wearing a long black coat, a wide - brimmed hat that shadows their face, and has an air of secrecy about them. They could be standing in a crowded place but seem completely detached, as if they are in their own world filled with secrets. This kind of character piques the reader's curiosity.