Yes, starting with a conflict in the plot is a good way. It could be a character against another character, a character against society, or a character against nature. This conflict immediately creates tension and gives the story a direction.
When it comes to the plot, a great start for a fiction novel is to introduce a goal or a quest. The main character could be on a journey to find something, achieve something, or solve a mystery. This gives the story purpose from the very beginning. For example, in a detective novel, starting with the discovery of a crime that the detective has to solve. This hooks the reader as they want to see how the character will reach their goal.
Begin with a problem or a goal. For example, the main character could be on a quest to find a missing friend in a dangerous city. This immediately gives the story direction.
To engage the reader right from the start, start with a mystery. Drop a hint about something strange or unknown. For example, 'The letter arrived, but there was no name on the envelope, only a strange symbol.' This makes the reader want to know more.
The best way to start a fiction novel often involves creating a sense of intrigue. You can pose a question, either implicitly or explicitly. Maybe start with a statement that seems contradictory or a situation that defies normal expectations. For instance, if you're writing a fantasy novel, you could begin with a scene where magic is being used in an unexpected way in an ordinary - looking village. This piques the reader's curiosity and compels them to keep reading to find out more about how and why things are the way they are.
Starting with a mystery or a question can also be an excellent approach. Throw the reader right into a puzzling situation. Maybe there's a strange object found in an ordinary place or a person who has lost their memory but has a strange mark on their hand. This makes the reader want to keep reading to find out the answers, like 'She opened the old wooden box, not knowing what to expect. Inside was a key that didn't seem to fit any lock she had ever seen. What could it be for?'
Beginning with a strong, evocative description can also be effective. Picture this: 'The air was thick with the smell of burning rubber and the sound of screeching tires filled the night as the car careened around the corner.' It sets the mood and draws the reader into the world of the story right away. Another good approach is to start with a dialogue that is mysterious or full of conflict. Like two people arguing about a secret that they seem to be the only ones aware of. This creates intrigue and makes the reader want to find out more about these characters and their situation.
Begin with an interesting character in a difficult situation. Say, a young wizard who wakes up one day to find his magic has vanished and he's in a land full of dark forces that he can no longer defend himself against. This hooks the reader as they want to know how the character will get out of the situation.
One of the best ways to start a novel is with a strong hook. For example, begin with an interesting dialogue that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Something like, 'I never thought I'd see the day when the sky turned green.' This kind of opening makes the reader wonder what's going on and compels them to keep reading.
A great way to start a crime novel is with a mysterious scene. For example, you could begin with a dead body being discovered in a strange place. It immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what happened.
Beginning with a strange conversation can be a good start. For example, two people talking in code about something illegal. It makes the reader wonder what they're up to and what the crime will be.
No. It depends on the genre. For a mystery, starting with a strange occurrence like 'The body was found in the most unexpected place, a quiet library corner' works well. But for a romance, you might start with the meeting of two characters, 'Their eyes met across the crowded room, and in that instant, something sparked.'