Beginning with a vivid description of a future or alien world can also be great. You could describe the floating cities on a gas giant planet, with their spires reaching into the colorful, swirling atmosphere. The reader is instantly immersed in this new and different place, and it makes them curious about what will happen there. Also, starting with a character in a high - stakes situation like being chased by a robotic assassin in a crowded, neon - lit space station is another effective method. It creates immediate tension and makes the reader want to know how the character will escape.
A good way to start a sci - fi story is to introduce a scientific concept that has gone wrong. Maybe there's a time - travel experiment that has sent a group of scientists into a chaotic, alternate timeline. This not only gives a basis for the story but also makes the reader wonder how the characters will deal with this new, disordered reality. You can then gradually unfold the implications of this concept as the story progresses.
One good 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. Another way is to begin with an interesting statement like 'The day the world stopped spinning was like no other.' It creates a sense of mystery. Also, starting with a character in an unexpected situation can be great, such as 'She woke up in a strange place, surrounded by people she didn't know.'
You can start with a character's dream or nightmare. Suppose a character dreams of being on a spaceship that's about to be swallowed by a black hole. When they wake up, they start to notice strange things in their real life that seem related to the dream. This creates an air of mystery from the character's point of view.
Subscribing to sci - fi magazines can be a great way to discover new novels. Magazines often feature reviews, previews, and interviews with sci - fi authors. This gives you insights into upcoming releases and lesser - known works. Another way is to attend sci - fi conventions. There are usually booths selling books and panels discussing new and classic sci - fi novels.
A great way to start a mystery story is to introduce a puzzling situation. Say there's a string of unexplained disappearances in a small, quiet town. The first disappearance might be a well - liked local who was last seen walking home from work one evening. There are no signs of a struggle, no witnesses, and no obvious motive. This situation makes the reader curious and eager to find out what's causing these disappearances.
One good way is to start with a description of the setting, like 'The old, creaky house stood at the end of the overgrown lane.' It immediately sets the scene for the reader.
One good way is to start with a vivid description of a place or a character. For example, 'The old, creaky house stood at the end of the overgrown lane, its windows like empty eyes staring into the abyss.' This immediately sets the scene and grabs the reader's attention.
One good way is to start with an eerie setting. For example, describe a dark, fog - covered forest at midnight, with strange noises coming from the depths. The isolation and mystery of such a place can immediately set a spooky mood.
One good way is to start with an eerie setting. For example, 'The old, dilapidated house stood alone at the end of the long, fog - covered lane, its broken windows like empty eye sockets staring into the night.'
Starting with a character in an extraordinary situation is another great approach. Say a scientist wakes up on an alien planet, not knowing how he got there. This forces the reader to ask questions like 'Who is this person?', 'How did they end up there?', and 'What will they do next?'. It's a great way to draw the reader in and start building the world of the science - fiction story.
One good way is to start with an eerie setting. For example, describe a desolate old house on a stormy night. The howling wind and the creaking of the old boards can immediately set a spooky mood.