Beginning with an unexpected statement can also be effective. 'The cat was reading a book.' This kind of start grabs the reader's attention because it's so out of the ordinary. It makes them want to know more about how this could be possible in the context of the story. It's a great way to start a story that's meant to be full of surprises and twists.
One good way is to start with a description of the setting, like 'The old, creaky house stood at the end of the overgrown lane.' It immediately sets the scene for the reader.
A sudden, unexpected event can be a great start. Like, 'The moment I opened the door, a cold hand grabbed my wrist from the darkness inside.'
Start with a flashback to a time before the dystopia took hold. Maybe show a happy family having a picnic in a beautiful park, and then cut to the present where that park is now a fenced - off, contaminated area. This contrast between the past and present emphasizes how bad the current situation is and makes the reader curious about what led to such a drastic change.
Begin with a statement about the prey. 'The deer in these parts were known for their cunning. They seemed to disappear into the thickets at the slightest sound. But I was determined that this time, I would outwit them. With that thought in mind, I stepped into the hunting grounds.' This shows the challenge ahead and gets the reader interested in how you will face it.
One way is 'Science fiction, with its boundless creativity, often...' Such as 'Science fiction, with its boundless creativity, often challenges our perception of reality.' Science fiction is known for its creative ideas that can make us think differently about the world we live in. It can present new social structures, different forms of life, and unique technological concepts that force us to reevaluate our understanding of what is possible.
One good way is to start with a 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. Another way is to begin with an interesting statement like 'The day the world stopped spinning was like no other.' It creates a sense of mystery. Also, starting with a character in an unexpected situation can be great, such as 'She woke up in a strange place, surrounded by people she didn't know.'
You can start with a description of the protagonist's ordinary life before love enters it. For example, show their daily routine, their friends, and their small joys and sorrows. Then, something or someone disrupts this routine in a romantic way. Another good start is to introduce a bet or a challenge related to love. Say, one character bets another that they can't make someone fall in love with them in a month. This adds an element of fun and intrigue. Also, starting with a shared interest between the two characters, like they both love a particular kind of music or art, can be a great way to begin.
Begin by introducing a unique tradition or event in the story's setting that is related to love. For instance, in a small village, there's an annual love festival. The main character is participating, and during this event, they catch sight of someone who will change their life. This not only sets a romantic mood but also gives a sense of the story's cultural backdrop.
You might start a story with: 'The old clock struck midnight, and everything changed.' It immediately creates a sense of drama and anticipation. It implies that something significant is going to happen as a result of this moment at midnight.
One possible start could be: 'The night was darker than a witch's cauldron.'