Beginning with a time marker can work well. 'In the year 2099, the world was a very different place.' Another option is to start with a sense of foreboding. 'There was a heaviness in the air that morning, a sign that something bad was going to happen.' Also, starting with a character's dream can be engaging. 'He dreamed of flying, his arms outstretched as he soared above the city.'
You can also start with a sad event from the past that still haunts the character. 'Every time she passed by that old oak tree, memories of that fateful day flooded back. The day her world had turned upside down and nothing had been the same since.' This immediately creates a melancholic mood as it shows that the character is still affected by a past tragedy, and the reader wants to find out what exactly that event was.
Start with a sense of foreboding. Just say something like 'He knew something was wrong the moment he stepped into the forest. The air was thick with an unspoken dread.' This makes the reader wonder what's going to happen next.
You can start a fiction story by introducing a mystery. For instance, 'The letter arrived on a Tuesday, addressed to no one in particular, yet it held a secret that would change everything.' Action is another great start. 'He ran as fast as he could, not daring to look back at the shadowy figure chasing him.' And a character's emotion can be a starting point too. 'Anger welled up inside him as he stared at the unfair verdict.'
In literature, 'life story' can be called 'life fable' or 'life legend'.
A good starting point for beginners could be to begin with a feeling. 'A sense of unease filled the air as she walked down the empty street.' This helps to create an atmosphere right from the start. Also, starting with a little mystery is great. 'The old box in the attic had been there for years, but today it seemed to be calling to her.' It makes the reader curious about what's in the box and what will happen next.
For beginners, starting with a simple plot idea is a good way. Just think of a basic situation like a character wanting to achieve a goal. Another way is to write based on personal experiences. It's easier to describe what you've already been through. Also, following a story structure like the three - act structure can be helpful.
Sure. Storytelling through dance is one way. Dancers can use their movements to convey a story, like in a ballet where the choreography represents the plot. Another example is through photography. A series of photos can be arranged in a way that tells a story, with each photo being like a chapter. And then there's the use of podcasts for storytelling. People can listen to someone narrating a story while they are on the go.
You could start with a thought-provoking question. Like, 'What if the world stopped spinning? How would we survive?' This gets the reader thinking and interested in seeing where the story will go with this concept.
Beginners can start a story by using a time reference. 'In the year 2050, the world had changed a great deal.' It gives a context of time. Starting with a small moment of conflict is also effective. 'The siblings argued over who would get the last piece of cake.' Another option is to start with a place. 'On the small island, there was a hidden cave, and that's where our story begins.' This helps to set the location which is important in a story.
Start with a creepy discovery. For instance, a man exploring an old attic finds a locked box. When he finally manages to open it, he sees a strange object that gives off an evil aura. This discovery can launch the horror story.