good first sentences to start a story

You could begin with a character's internal thought such as, 'I never thought my life would change so drastically on this ordinary day.' This gives a peek into the character's mindset.

There was a time when Sarah and Emily were inseparable. They had been best friends since they were little kids. But one day, a misunderstanding happened. It all started when they were planning a trip together. Sarah thought Emily had changed the destination without telling her, and from that moment, a rift began to form between them.

In a world filled with mystery and wonder, there existed a small, unassuming town. It was here that a curious boy named Tom found an old, tattered map hidden in the attic of his grandfather's house. The map seemed to be a key to a great adventure, and without hesitation, Tom set out to discover what it held. The moment he stepped out of his house, he could feel the magic in the air.

On a sunny day at the beach, she was building a sandcastle when he walked by and couldn't help but stop to admire her creation. 'That's an amazing sandcastle,' he said with a smile.

One day, in a bustling coffee shop, their eyes met across the crowded room. It was as if time stood still for a moment.

One could be 'The old house on the hill had always been there, silent and brooding.' It immediately sets a spooky and mysterious mood, making the reader wonder what secrets the house might hold.

You can describe your immediate reaction to the noise. 'It was a dark and stormy night when I first heard the strange noise. I froze in my tracks, my heart pounding in my chest. I strained my ears, trying to figure out where it was coming from.'

You could start by describing the history that the oak tree might have witnessed. For example, 'The old oak tree in the middle of the field had seen it all. Generations of families had picnicked in its shade, lovers had carved their initials into its trunk, and during the war, it had provided cover for soldiers on the run.'

How about 'In the middle of the crowded marketplace, she saw a face that made her heart stop.' This is a great first sentence as it creates a moment of shock and recognition. The reader will want to know who that person is, what their relationship is with the main character, and why seeing them had such a powerful effect. It also gives a sense of a bustling, public setting which can contrast with the very personal and intense reaction of the character.

The first sentence is super important. Consider 'The little girl saw a strange light in the forest.' This draws the reader in. It gives a starting point for the story to unfold. It could lead to an adventure in the forest, or a discovery of something magical. A good first sentence is like a door that invites the reader into the world of the story.