Using the weather as a transition is effective. If it was a stormy night and in the morning the sun breaks through the clouds, it can mark the start of a new day. For example, 'The rain had finally stopped during the night. As the sun peeked through the dissipating clouds, the day began with a sense of renewal.'
One effective way is to use a character's reminiscing. For example, a character sitting by a fireplace might start thinking about a similar winter long ago, and this takes the story back in time. Another is through the discovery of a letter or a diary entry. If a character finds an old letter, it can lead to a story within a story, effectively transitioning to a different time or place. Also, weather changes can be used. A sudden storm might make a character remember a past storm and the events associated with it.
The change in the quality of light can be a good transition. Maybe the room was dark and shadowy during the night, but as day approaches, a soft, diffused light starts to fill the space. You could write, 'The gradual brightening of the room announced the coming of a new day. It was a gentle reminder that the night was over and a fresh day had dawned. This transition not only sets the time but also can create a mood, whether it's a hopeful new day or a day filled with a sense of foreboding depending on how the rest of the story is crafted.'
You could start with an exciting action scene to hook the readers right away.
One effective way is to create interesting characters. Give them unique personalities, desires, and flaws. For example, a detective who is brilliant but has a fear of heights. Another way is to build a vivid setting. Describe it in detail so readers can picture it, like a fog - covered, mysterious old town. Also, a strong plot is essential. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with rising action, a climax, and a resolution.
A coincidence like a delayed flight. They both end up sitting next to each other at the airport lounge waiting for the same flight which has been postponed for hours. They start chatting to pass the time and that's how they meet.
One way is through the use of time markers like 'a few days later' or 'in the meantime'. For example, if the story jumps from a present event to a past memory, you can say 'Earlier that day...' Another way is by using a character's thoughts or dreams. A character might be in the middle of an action, and then their thoughts take them back to a previous event, which serves as a transition. Also, the use of objects can be a transition method. If a character finds an old photo, it can lead to a flashback in the story.
Words like 'as', 'while', and 'during' can be great transition words for horror stories. 'As' can set the scene in a spooky way, such as 'As the moon rose, strange shadows began to move.' 'While' can create a sense of unease during an action. 'During' is useful for highlighting events within a terrifying situation, like 'During the storm, she heard a blood - curdling scream.'
You could also begin a story by introducing a unique or strange object. For example, 'In the middle of the table, there was a small, glowing box. No one knew where it came from or what it was for.' This object becomes a focal point and the reader will be interested in finding out more about it and how it relates to the rest of the story.
Tell the story to someone else. This forces you to organize your thoughts and recall all the details. You might even discover parts that you didn't remember clearly before, and this process of retelling helps solidify the story in your memory.
One effective way is to end with a resolution. Tie up all the loose ends and give the characters a final state that satisfies the reader. For example, in a mystery story, the detective finally reveals who the culprit is and how they did it. Another way is to end with a cliffhanger, which leaves the reader wanting more. This can be used if you plan to write a sequel. Also, an emotional ending can be very effective. If it's a love story, perhaps the couple finally gets together after many obstacles, leaving the reader with a warm feeling.