One of the best openings is from 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen: 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' This line immediately sets the tone for the story which is centered around marriage and social status in 19th - century England.
One great opening is to start with a thought - provoking question. For example, 'Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without colors?' This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them curious to find out more. It sets the tone for a story that could be about a world where something fundamental has been altered.
In my opinion, 'As the old house creaked and groaned, he felt a presence he couldn't explain. The air was thick with a stench of decay, and the shadows seemed to move on their own.' is a very effective opening. The description of the house gives a sense of age and decay, which is often associated with horror. The unexplained presence and the moving shadows build tension right from the start.
A great story opening is 'It was a dark and stormy night, and all was quiet in the old mansion on the hill.' This sets a spooky and suspenseful mood. 'The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the village, when a stranger rode into town.' This opening gives a sense of anticipation as to who the stranger is. Also, 'As the first snowflake fell, a young boy made a discovery that would change his life forever.' It gives a feeling of new beginnings and mystery about the discovery.
In a far - away land can also be a common opening. It gives a sense of mystery and distance, making the audience curious about what is going to happen in this unknown place. It often leads to adventures and exploration within the story.
Another is 'Call me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's a simple yet direct way to introduce the narrator, making the reader curious about who Ishmael is and what his story will be.
Some of the great novel openings include 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. Another is 'Call me Ishmael' from 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville.
One famous opening is 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' from 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. This immediately sets a contrastive and complex tone for the story.
To write effective story openings, you could introduce a compelling character with a unique problem or goal. Make the reader care about them from the get-go. Also, set the tone and atmosphere clearly - is it going to be a dark and gritty tale or a light-hearted adventure? Both these elements can draw the reader in.