Using a dialogue as an opening can be engaging. '“I can't believe you did that,” he said, his eyes wide with shock.' This makes the reader wonder what 'that' is and who these characters are. It quickly draws the reader into the relationship between the characters and the situation at hand.
An opening that presents a conflict is also a good choice. 'The two kingdoms had been at war for years, and the people were tired of the bloodshed.' This sets up a problem right from the start, and the reader will be interested in seeing how the conflict is resolved, whether through peace negotiations, a hero's actions, or something else entirely.
Starting with a mysterious statement works well. For instance, 'The old house on the corner had a secret that no one knew, until now.' This piques the reader's interest as they want to uncover what that secret is. It can lead to a story full of mystery and discovery.
A foreboding dream. 'He had the same dream every night for a week. In it, he was in a dark, endless corridor with doors on either side. Each door had a strange symbol, and a cold wind blew from behind him, urging him forward, but he knew that whatever lay beyond those doors was something terrifying.'
Here's a more complex opening. 'In the middle of the bustling city square, a woman suddenly collapsed. As she hit the ground, a small, leather - bound book slipped from her purse. No one noticed it at first, but when they did, they saw strange markings on the cover. Those who looked closer seemed to be overcome with a sense of dread.' This opening combines a sudden event, an unexpected object, and a reaction from those who encounter it, all of which are great for setting up a mystery.
A long, lonely road in the middle of nowhere. The headlights of the car are the only source of light as the driver hears a strange thumping on the roof of the vehicle.
You could also start with a simple, relatable situation. For instance, 'Tommy was so excited to go to the park. He had his favorite ball in his hand and was ready for a day of fun.' This makes children feel like they can understand the character's feelings and gets them engaged in the story. Another good opening for kids is a rhyming one. Such as 'Once upon a time in a far - off rhyme, there was a bunny that liked to climb.' Rhymes are catchy for children and can hold their attention better.
Another one is 'Moby - Dick' with its famous opening 'Call me Ishmael.' It's a very simple yet powerful start. It immediately makes the reader focus on the character who is about to tell his story, and it has a certain air of mystery as we don't know much about Ishmael yet but are eager to follow his journey.
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.
'Two friends sat on the park bench, the sun shining down on them, but little did they know that their lives were about to change forever.' This opening sets the scene of a normal friendship moment but then hints at upcoming change.
Sure. 'The door creaked open, and a cold wind swept in, carrying with it a sense of foreboding.' This opening creates an immediate sense of unease and makes the reader wonder what's behind the door.
Sure. 'The door slammed shut behind her, trapping her in the abandoned asylum. A shrill scream echoed through the halls.' This opening throws the character into a terrifying situation right away.
In '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 opening is brilliant as it quickly establishes a social context and the central theme of marriage and wealth that runs throughout the novel.