Begin with a shocking event that disrupts the status quo. Maybe a sudden blackout in a city that's supposed to be highly advanced technologically. The main character could be in the middle of an important task, like a scientist about to make a major discovery, when all the lights go out and chaos ensues. This creates a sense of instability and makes the reader wonder what kind of world this is where such a fundamental thing as electricity can be so easily disrupted.
One great way is to introduce a world that seems ordinary at first glance but has some underlying unease. For example, start with a character going about their daily routine, like a young girl waking up in her small, cramped apartment. But then, as she looks out the window, she sees a large, ominous building that she's never really noticed before. This immediately sets a tone of mystery and the idea that there might be something not quite right in this world.
Describe a small moment of kindness between two characters. Maybe an old man gives a piece of his meager food ration to a young boy. But then, as the scene unfolds, you start to reveal the harshness of the world around them. The fact that food is so scarce that this small act is a big deal. It shows the humanity that still exists in the dystopia but also the problems that are there, in a more nuanced way.
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.'
Starting a novel with a strong character in an engaging situation can be very effective. Say you introduce a character on the run from something unknown. 'She sprinted down the alley, her heart pounding in her ears, not daring to look back.' It creates instant intrigue about the character and what they're fleeing from.
One great way is to start with a strong character introduction. For example, describe the protagonist in a vivid and engaging way as they are in a moment of self - discovery or longing. This could be something like, 'Ella stood on the balcony, the wind tousling her hair, as she stared out at the city she had once dreamed of sharing with someone special, her heart full of unspoken desires.'
A great way to start a YA novel is with a strong and engaging character. Let the reader immediately meet a protagonist they can root for or be intrigued by. For example, introduce a teen with a unique hobby or a big secret.
Well, a great way to start a novel is to start with a strong character that readers can immediately connect with or care about. Another option is to begin with a tense or suspenseful situation that makes readers want to know what happens next.