You can start a thousand - word short story with a strong hook. For example, begin with an interesting dialogue, like 'I never thought I'd see you here, especially after what happened last night.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to know more. Another way is to start with a vivid description, such as 'The night was as black as coal, the wind howling like a banshee through the desolate streets.' It sets the mood for the story.
In the middle of a dark forest, a lone hiker got lost. He had strayed from the marked path while chasing a beautiful deer. Now, as the sun started to set, he realized his mistake. He heard strange noises all around him, the howling of wolves in the distance. Panicking, he started to run, but soon realized he was just getting more lost. He finally decided to climb a tall tree to spend the night safely above the ground.
In a far - off land. This phrase creates a sense of mystery and distance. It makes the reader curious about this unknown place and what might be happening there. It could be a land full of magic, adventure or strange creatures.
Once upon a time in a small village, there was an ancient oak tree in the center of the village. This tree was said to be magical. The children of the village would often play around it. One day, a young girl named Emma noticed a strange glow coming from the base of the tree. She dug a little and found a small, shiny stone. When she held it, she felt a strange warmth. She showed it to the village elder, who believed it was a sign from the old magic that protected the village. They decided to keep the stone safe and see what other wonders it might bring.
A cryptic note was left on the doorstep. Notes are often used as plot devices in mystery stories. A cryptic note makes the reader wonder who left it, what it means, and what secrets it might hold.
Starting with a bunch of backstory or exposition is a no-no. Jump right into the action or an interesting moment that hooks the reader's attention and makes them want to know more.
Once, Xiao Ming's family of three went to the park to play. On the way, they chatted happily. At the park, Xiaoming's father saw a hotel and wanted to go for a drink. His mother advised him not to drink, but his father insisted. In the end, because they ran a red light, they were hit by a big truck and the whole family died.
Compelling. A short story needs to be compelling to hold the reader's interest in a relatively short amount of reading time. It should have a strong hook at the beginning. 'Intriguing' is another suitable word. The plot or the characters in a short story should be mysterious or interesting enough to make the reader want to know more. And 'poignant'. Some short stories can touch the reader's heart deeply, like those that deal with themes of loss or love in a very concise and impactful way.