The openings and endings are crucial. A good opening grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone. A strong ending leaves a lasting impression and ties up loose ends.
They can have a huge impact. A strong opening grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone, while a good ending leaves a lasting impression and ties up loose ends.
A vivid description can also make a great novel opening. Such as 'The sun blazed down on the dusty town, the heat rising in shimmering waves from the cracked streets. The saloon doors swung open, and a figure emerged, his face hidden beneath a wide - brimmed hat.' This type of opening sets the scene and makes the reader curious about what will happen next. It gives a sense of place and a hint of mystery.
Beginning with a vivid description can be great. Like in 'The Great Gatsby' where it starts with 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' It gives a sense of the narrator's voice and draws you into their world.
One of the best openings is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This line immediately sets the tone for the story which is centered around marriage and social status in 19th - century England.
One great opening is to start with a thought - provoking question. For example, 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without colors?' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them curious to find out more. It sets the tone for a story that could be about a world where something fundamental has been altered.
One common opening is 'Once upon a time...' which is often used in fairy tales. It immediately sets a story - telling mood and makes the listener or reader expect a fictional, often magical story. Another is 'In a small town...' which gives a sense of a specific setting right from the start. It can make the reader wonder what kind of people live in that town and what will happen there.
A good opening could be starting with a thought - provoking question like 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without colors?' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them curious to find out more.
Beginning with an interesting dialogue can also be great. For example, '"You can't be serious," she hissed, her eyes wide with disbelief.' It throws the reader right into the middle of a situation and makes them wonder what's going on. Another option is to start with a statement that challenges the reader's thinking, such as 'The world as we know it is a lie, and I was about to discover the truth.' This kind of opening sets up a sense of intrigue and encourages the reader to keep reading to find out more.
One good opening could be 'It was a dark and stormy night, and the wind howled like a banshee outside the old, creaking house.' It immediately sets a spooky mood.