First, think about the overall theme or mood of your novel. If it's a mystery, start with something mysterious like a strange sound in the dark or an unexplained object. For a romance, perhaps a chance encounter between two characters with a spark of attraction. Second, use strong, descriptive language. Avoid being too bland or generic. Third, create a sense of intrigue. Leave the reader with questions that they want to find the answers to.
A vivid description can also make a great novel opening. Such as 'The sun blazed down on the dusty town, the heat rising in shimmering waves from the cracked streets. The saloon doors swung open, and a figure emerged, his face hidden beneath a wide - brimmed hat.' This type of opening sets the scene and makes the reader curious about what will happen next. It gives a sense of place and a hint of mystery.
Beginning with a vivid description can be great. Like in 'The Great Gatsby' where it starts with 'In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since.' It gives a sense of the narrator's voice and draws you into their world.
One 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. It makes them start thinking about the concept and draws them into the story.
One way is to start with a bang. Start with a big action or a shocking revelation. For instance, a character witnessing a crime or a supernatural event right at the start. This jolts the reader and makes them want to keep reading.
You can also start with a thought - provoking statement. Such as 'Is there a point in life where we all become lost, or are we just wandering aimlessly from the start?' It makes the reader think and want to explore more in the novel.
You can start with a bang by showing a big battle or conflict. Describe the chaos, the clashing of swords, the magic spells flying everywhere. 'The armies of light and dark clashed on the plains. Fire rained down from the sky as the dark mages hurled their most powerful spells, and the knights of light fought valiantly, their shields gleaming.' It grabs the reader's attention immediately.
Well, creating the best character sheet for a novel is a multi - step process. Begin with the basics like the character's appearance. But don't stop there. Dive into their inner self. Explore their emotions, like how they deal with anger or sadness. Also, consider their social life. Who are their friends? What groups do they belong to? Then, think about how all these aspects interact. For example, how does their appearance affect their social life? How do their emotions influence their goals? By considering all these elements and putting them on the character sheet, you can create a really good one.
One of the best openings is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This line immediately sets the tone for the story which is centered around marriage and social status in 19th - century England.
One great opening is to start with a thought - provoking 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. It sets the tone for a story that could be about a world where something fundamental has been altered.
In 'Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief', the opening where Percy realizes he has dyslexia and ADHD but then discovers there's more to it, like his connection to the demigod world. This start is interesting as it takes a common struggle and twists it into something extraordinary. It makes the reader curious about how these 'disabilities' are actually strengths in his new reality.