There are many different ways to start a story. Some good. Some bad. And you will have to decide what type of opening fits your story best. For instance, if you are writing a thriller then you might want to start with a pacy action scene. If you’re writing romance, you might want to start with dialogue or a slower-paced prose. Regardless of what you choose though, the main thing to keep in mind is the purpose of your opening.
To hook the reader.
The opening of any book should engage the reader and make them want to read on. There are a number of ways to do this, some of which have already been mentioned:
Action Sequence
Starting with an action sequence can keep readers on the edge of their seat and make them turn the pages wondering what’s going to happen next.
Dialogue
Starting with dialogue can really help to establish the main character or characters and make them relatable to readers. If the audience feels an instant connection to the character, they will want to know what happens next.
Description
If you can create a compelling scene or description, readers will want to know more. Beautiful prose that connects with a reader’s heart is a sure-fire way of getting them to read on.
Mystery
Starting with a mystery that the main character needs to solve is intriguing. It also helps to put the reader on the same footing as the main character so that they can unravel the truth as they go.
Introduction
Instead of introducing a character through dialogue, you can just have the character introduce themselves. This immediately establishes who they are and what their personality is.
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