good opening lines short stories

One good opening line could be 'The rain fell like a thousand tiny hammers on the tin roof, and in that moment, everything changed.' It immediately sets a mood of unease and signals that something is about to be different. Another is 'She opened the creaky door, not knowing what horror awaited her on the other side.' This creates suspense right away. 'In the dead of night, a lone figure moved through the fog - silent, yet full of purpose.' is also great as it makes the reader wonder who the figure is and what their purpose might be.

They enhance short stories in multiple ways. Firstly, they can set the mood. A line such as 'The cold wind whipped through the empty streets, carrying with it a sense of desolation.' immediately gives a feeling of loneliness and coldness. Secondly, they can introduce a character or a situation. 'He sat on the bench, a single tear rolling down his cheek, his world shattered.' This makes the reader wonder what has happened to him. Finally, they can create a sense of intrigue. 'The small box, unassuming yet full of secrets, lay on the table.' makes the reader eager to uncover those secrets within the short story.

A very effective short story opening line is 'There was a man who was born old and grew younger every day.' This type of opening is so intriguing because it defies our normal understanding of the aging process. It makes the reader eager to find out more about this man, how such a thing is possible, and what his story will be. It creates a sense of mystery right from the start, which is a key element in a good short story opening.

One good opening line could be 'The old house stood at the end of the lane, its broken windows like empty eye sockets.' This immediately sets a spooky and mysterious mood, making the reader wonder what secrets the house might hold.

One great opening line is 'It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.' from George Orwell's '1984'. It immediately sets an off - kilter mood, making the reader wonder about this world where the clocks seem to be acting strangely.

Well, 'Call me Ishmael.' from 'Moby - Dick' is a very well - known opening line. It's so simple yet it has a certain power. It makes the narrator seem approachable, as if he's inviting the reader to join him on his journey. And it gives the story an air of authenticity from the start, as if it's a real account being told by someone we can trust.

A great opening is 'The old house at the end of the lane had always been a mystery. Everyone in town had a different story about it.' This makes the reader curious about the house and the various stories. For example, it could lead to a horror story, a mystery about a hidden treasure, or a family secret. The possibilities are endless, and it draws the reader in by presenting an enigma right from the start.

One good opening line could be 'The day started like any other, until the strange noise came from the attic.' It immediately creates a sense of normalcy that is about to be disrupted, which draws the reader in.

One could be 'In the dead of night, a cold wind swept through the desolate cemetery, carrying with it an unearthly chill.'

The old house stood at the end of the lane, its broken windows like empty eye sockets staring into the void. This opening line creates an image of a desolate and potentially haunted place, drawing the reader in.