You can add some mystery. For example, if the first paragraph mentions a character seeing someone from afar, you could add a strange object that the other person is holding. It could be a key that seems to hold some significance. This would make the reader wonder what it's all about.
Including some foreshadowing in the first paragraph can be great. If the paragraph is about two people meeting at a beach, you could mention a strange cloud formation that looks like a heart with a crack in it. This could foreshadow some challenges that their love will face in the future, making the reader eager to find out what will happen next.
The complex characters from 'Game of Thrones' could be added. For example, having a police detective with the cunning of Littlefinger, always plotting and using information to his advantage in solving cases.
To make it a complete horror story, you should add a sense of impending doom. For example, if the opening paragraph is about a spooky old house, you could add details like strange noises coming from the attic that keep getting louder and more frequent, making the protagonist feel that something really bad is about to happen.
One spooky element could be a strange smell, like a mix of rotting flowers and damp earth. It can add to the uneasiness. Another could be unexplained footprints that seem to appear out of nowhere. For example, the main character could be walking in a hallway and suddenly see small, wet footprints that weren't there before.
One element is the use of time distortion. If the opening is in a haunted place, you can make it seem like time passes differently there. For example, minutes can feel like hours. Another aspect is the addition of objects with a strange power. Say the opening is about a spooky attic. You could introduce an old doll that seems to have a life of its own. You can also add a feeling of being watched from all directions. And the use of weather can be important too. A sudden storm or thick fog can make the situation more menacing when continuing from the opening paragraph of a ghost story.
One element could be a mysterious guide. For example, a strange old man who seems to know a lot about the door but has his own ulterior motives. He could lead the woman deeper into the mystery, adding suspense.
One element could be modern technology. For example, in a new fairy tale story, the princess could use a magic - powered smartphone to call for help instead of waiting for a prince to rescue her. Another element is different cultures. You can incorporate elements from Asian, African or other cultures into the fairy tale world. For instance, a fairy tale could be set in a Chinese - inspired magical land with dragons and phoenixes.
Surprise is one element. For example, in a story where two people who seem to be from different worlds suddenly fall in love. Another is the journey of self - discovery within the relationship. Like when a character realizes new things about themselves because of the love they have for someone else.
One element is the unexpected encounter. Like in many great love stories, the two main characters meet in a very unexpected way, which adds a touch of magic. Another is the obstacles they face. It could be family disapproval, distance, or differences in beliefs. When they overcome these, it makes the story more engaging.
You can add unexpected plot twists. Like having the characters face sudden challenges that test their love.
Add some fun characters like talking animals or magical creatures. For instance, a story about a talking rabbit who goes on an adventure is more exciting for a first grader than a plain story about a normal person. Also, make the story full of action. Let the characters run, jump, and explore new places.