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.
Set the scene in a spooky, isolated place like an old, creaking mansion on a stormy night. For example, 'The wind howled outside the decaying mansion as the rain lashed against the broken windows, and I stepped inside, not knowing what horrors awaited me.'
One of the best ways to start a horror story is by setting a creepy atmosphere. Maybe describe a dark, abandoned place or a strange noise in the night.
Open with a mysterious object. For instance, 'The small, ornate box sat on the dusty shelf, pulsating with an unseen energy. No one knew where it came from or what it held, but I could feel its malevolence from across the room.'
Begin with a mystery. Drop the reader right into the middle of a strange situation without any explanation at first. Maybe start with a character finding a strange symbol carved into their bedroom wall that they've never seen before and having no idea how it got there. It creates instant intrigue and a sense of foreboding.
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.
Begin with an eerie setting, like 'The old, dilapidated house stood alone at the end of the overgrown lane, its broken windows like gaping mouths in the moonlight.'
Beginning with a mysterious disappearance can be great. Say something like, 'When he woke up that morning, his sister was gone. There was no sign of a struggle, just an empty bed and a cold breeze coming in through the open window. He knew, in that moment, that something truly terrifying had begun.' This immediately creates a sense of unease and mystery, drawing the reader in.
One effective way is to introduce a mysterious character who seems to have a dark secret. Maybe they show up at an isolated place and give off an eerie vibe. That can really draw readers in.