ideas to start a story

Begin with a unique character. A young girl who can communicate with animals but is shunned by her village because of it. One day, a talking fox comes to her and tells her that she is the key to saving their enchanted forest from a dark force. This character's situation immediately draws the reader into the story and its fantasy elements.

You could start with a strange dream. For example, the main character wakes up in a world where the sky is purple and the grass is made of crystals. This immediately creates a sense of mystery and a different world for the reader to be curious about.

Start by introducing a mysterious object. For instance, a young girl discovers an old, ornate box in her attic. It has strange symbols carved on it and gives off an icy cold feeling when she touches it. She can't resist the urge to open it, and as she does, a gust of cold wind blows through the attic, even though all the windows are closed. This object can then be the centerpiece around which the horror of the story unfolds.

A good idea to start a horror story could be with an unexplained noise in the middle of the night. For example, the main character wakes up to a strange scratching sound coming from the attic. They're all alone in the house, and the sound is rhythmic and menacing. This immediately creates a sense of unease and mystery, drawing the reader in as they wonder what could be making that noise.

A great start could be a character moving into a new apartment. On the first night, they see a face in the window of the apartment across the street. But when they look again, it's gone. Later, they find out that the apartment has a dark history of disappearances. This discovery, along with the initial sighting, can be the start of a terrifying horror story.

You could begin a scary story with a strange sound or shadow that catches the main character's attention. It builds suspense right away. For example, a mysterious howl in the forest or an unexplained silhouette at the window.

You can start with a unique character. For example, a young wizard who has lost his magic powers but discovers a hidden power within himself. This character's journey to regain his powers can form the basis of an exciting story.

Start with a feeling. Maybe you want to convey a sense of loneliness. Then build a character who is isolated, perhaps on a deserted island or in a big, empty city. You could also begin with a setting. A spooky old house can be the starting point for a horror story. Picture what might be hidden in the attic or lurking in the basement.

Set the story in an abandoned asylum. Start by detailing the long, echoing hallways with peeling wallpaper and rusted gurneys scattered about. The fluorescent lights above flicker erratically, casting strange shadows on the walls. The main character is exploring this place, perhaps as part of a dare or because they are a journalist looking for a story. But as they venture deeper into the asylum, they start to feel as if they are being watched, and they hear the faint sound of screams that seem to be coming from the very walls around them.

Starting a story with a vivid description of a setting can be great too. 'The forest was thick and dark, the trees so closely packed that the sunlight could barely penetrate. The air was heavy with the smell of damp earth and rotting leaves.' This creates a mood and a sense of place that the reader can immerse themselves in, and they'll be eager to know what kind of story will unfold in this setting.