You can start with a meta - narrative. Talk about the act of writing the story itself, like 'I never thought I'd be writing this story, but here I am, trying to make sense of these events.' It's an unusual way to start. Another way is to start with a character's internal monologue that is full of contradictions. For example, 'I love this place, yet I can't wait to leave it.' It shows depth right from the start. And starting with a description of a weather phenomenon that has a symbolic meaning in the story, like a storm representing chaos, can also be a great different way to start an intro to a novel.
One unique way could be to start with a scientific or historical fact that is relevant to the story. For example, if your novel is about a time - traveling archaeologist, you could start with a fact about an ancient civilization's lost technology. Another option is to start with a dream sequence. Show the main character in a vivid, surreal dream that foreshadows events in the story. It's different and can draw the reader in. You could also start with a non - human perspective, like that of an animal or an inanimate object that has some significance in the story.
One good way is to start with a captivating scene. For example, describe a moment of high drama like a character running for their life in a dark alley. This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what's going on and why. Another way is to introduce a mysterious character. Just give a few tantalizing details about this person, like their strange appearance or a cryptic line they say. It creates intrigue. You can also start with a thought - provoking statement related to the theme of the novel, such as 'In a world where truth is often hidden, one person's search for it can change everything.'
Sure. How about starting with a character doing something completely inappropriate for the situation? Like 'The priest walked into the bar and started break - dancing.' It's unexpected and funny. Another is starting with a false fact presented as real in a humorous way. 'Scientists have recently discovered that unicorns are actually allergic to rainbows. And this is the story of one unicorn's quest for an umbrella.'
Beginning with a time marker can work well. 'In the year 2099, the world was a very different place.' Another option is to start with a sense of foreboding. 'There was a heaviness in the air that morning, a sign that something bad was going to happen.' Also, starting with a character's dream can be engaging. 'He dreamed of flying, his arms outstretched as he soared above the city.'
You could start with a character experiencing a strange mental state. For instance, a person starts having vivid, recurring nightmares that seem to be related to a past event they can't remember. It makes the reader wonder what's in the character's subconscious and what they might have forgotten.
You could start with a thought-provoking question. Like, 'What if the world stopped spinning? How would we survive?' This gets the reader thinking and interested in seeing where the story will go with this concept.
Beginning a love story can be done through an unexpected encounter. For example, being stuck in an elevator together and having a deep conversation. Or, starting with a shared love for food. Meeting at a food festival and trying different delicacies together. You could also start by helping each other out in an academic or work - related situation, which can lead to a deeper bond.
You can also start with a sad event from the past that still haunts the character. 'Every time she passed by that old oak tree, memories of that fateful day flooded back. The day her world had turned upside down and nothing had been the same since.' This immediately creates a melancholic mood as it shows that the character is still affected by a past tragedy, and the reader wants to find out what exactly that event was.
A great way to start a novel is by creating a sense of mystery. Drop a hint about something strange or unusual right at the beginning. Say, a character finds a strange key in an old attic and has no idea what it unlocks. This makes the reader want to keep reading to find out.
Start with a dream sequence. Have the main character in a vivid, strange dream that might be a premonition or a connection to a different world. It's a great way to introduce a touch of mystery.
Beginning with a time reference can be effective. 'In the year 2050, the world was a very different place. Technology had taken over every aspect of life, but something was still missing.' This gives the reader a context of when the story is set. Or you could start with a comparison. 'Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, his life was about to change in ways he could never have imagined. He just didn't know it yet.' This helps the reader make a connection and anticipate what might happen in the story.