Begin with a character who has a strange or suspicious behavior. Maybe a person is seen lurking around a house late at night, and the next day, news of a murder in that very house spreads. It creates an air of suspicion around that character from the start and hooks the reader into finding out more about their possible involvement.
One good way is to start with a mysterious discovery. For example, a body is found in an unexpected place like in the middle of a busy park during the day. This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder how the body got there and who could be responsible.
You could start with a disturbing phone call. The caller says something cryptic like 'It's done' and then hangs up. The story then shifts to the discovery of a murder. This kind of opening sets an eerie mood and makes the reader curious about who the caller was and what exactly was 'done'.
One great way to start a story is with an interesting character in an unusual situation. For example, 'There was a man who woke up one morning to find his house had disappeared overnight.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what will happen next.
Begin with a dialogue. For example, '“You can't be serious,” she said, her eyes wide with disbelief.' It makes the story feel immediate and alive. The reader is plunged right into the action and wants to know what the conversation is about.
One great way to start a story is with a captivating hook. It could be an interesting question, like 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without colors?' or a shocking statement such as 'The day the world ended, no one saw it coming.' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read more.
One of the best ways to start a mystery story is with an intriguing event. For example, a strange disappearance. You can begin by describing the scene where a character vanishes without a trace. The suddenness and mystery of it will immediately hook the reader. It makes them wonder what happened and why, creating an instant sense of curiosity that will drive them to keep reading.
I don't think there is a universal best way. A good start for a historical fiction could be 'In the year 1812, as the war drums beat across the land...' which grounds the story in time and place. But for a contemporary coming - of - age story, you could start with a relatable teen moment like 'I was standing in the school hallway, my heart pounding as I waited for the results of the test.' Different stories require different beginnings to engage their intended audiences.
Beginning with a miscommunication can be really funny. Say something like 'I thought my friend said we were going to a 'zoo party', so I showed up in a full-on zebra costume, only to find out it was a 'juice party'. Everyone was just sipping on smoothies while I looked like I escaped from the safari.'
Starting with a vivid description can be the best way. Like, 'The dark, forbidding forest loomed ahead, its ancient trees reaching out like gnarled hands.' It sets the mood and draws the reader into the world you're creating.
Open with a strange noise. A continuous scratching sound from inside the walls, getting louder and louder. The character tries to figure out what's making the noise but is too afraid to investigate further. This creates suspense and a sense of dread right from the start.