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by Sarah Cha
on
Want to know how to start a story that hooks readers? Don’t worry – even seasoned authors sometimes find themselves stumped to find the perfect opening line.
It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a novel, short story, or any piece of creative writing, the right opening can make all the difference.
So how do you start your story the right way?
As an experienced writer and avid reader (with a short attention span!), I’m here to show you how to hook your reader and keep ’em glued to your story until the very end.
Ready to get started?
Let’s dig in.
The opening line of a story is the literary equivalent of a first impression.
Just as you wouldn’t show up to an important interview in pajamas, you wouldn’t want your story to have a lukewarm, forgettable entrance.
So, what exactly does a compelling start achieve?
In other words, a great story beginning promises readers that the journey is worth their time. But what does it take to write an awesome start to your story?
Every story begins by drawing the reader into a narrative web. Understanding and selecting the right technique can determine whether a reader turns the next page or closes the book.
So, let’s dive into methods that promise to capture readers’ imaginations right off the bat…
Jumping straight into action is like hitting a play button on super intense movie scene. It sets the tone and gets readers excited to read more and find out what happens next.
Think about James Bond in Ian Fleming’s novel, Live and Let Die — bullets fly before we even grasp the situation.
This immediate immersion compels readers to keep going, seeking the “why” behind the chaos.
It instantly grabs readers and makes them care about the outcome.
In contrast to the dynamism of action, a compelling setting invites readers to immerse themselves in a world, letting the surroundings do the talking.
For example, think about the misty moors described in the opening paragraph of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, for example. This setting, bleak and foreboding, sets the stage for the tumultuous main story ahead.
Or think of the opening to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where the normalcy of Privet Drive is described in meticulous detail, only to be contrasted with the extraordinary events that follow.
When readers can visualize the world, they’re more anchored to the narrative. The stage is set, expectations are established, and the magic begins.
A memorable character introduction can captivate readers, making them invested from the get-go.
Think of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind. From her first appearance, we know she’s a force to be reckoned with as we see her act out her confidence, her charm, and her defiance.
Her vivid portrayal lets us instantly know who we’re dealing with. A strong main character entrance can set the mood, tone, and pace for everything that follows. Have you ever met someone and instantly knew you’d never forget them? Yeah, it’s like that!
Starting your story with something unexpected is a bold statement. It tells the reader your story is about to be anything but ordinary.
An unexpected start promises readers a roller coaster of emotions, events, and revelations. Here’s how to harness this technique:
In other words, beginning your story in media res immerses readers into a world that piques their curiosity.
And by either shocking your readers, subverting their expectations, or presenting a tantalizing mystery, you ensure that they’re compelled to journey further into your story.
From the get-go, setting a story’s tone and mood plants the reader firmly within your chosen atmosphere.
Take, for instance, Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, which begins, “There was no possibility of taking a walk that day.” This simple sentence conveys the bleakness and confinement that resonates throughout the novel.
A well-crafted mood ensures they’re not just reading but truly feeling the world you’ve constructed.
Catching your reader off-guard from the very first line can be a powerful way to pique their interest.
It pulls them into the narrative, eager to understand the context and uncover the meaning behind such a declaration.
Take Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis for example:
“Gregor Samsa woke up one morning from unsettling dreams to find himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.”
Right from the start, the reader is left intrigued and perplexed. Such opening lines not only grab the readers attention but also set a tone that prepares readers for the unexpected twists and turns that the story might take.
Every captivating story contains a conflict — be it internal or external.
By introducing this struggle early on, you provide readers with a clear stake in the narrative, making them eager to see how it unfolds and resolves.
Consider the age-old conflict of man versus nature, as illustrated in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.
From the beginning, we are introduced to an old fisherman’s fierce determination to catch a giant marlin, setting up the central conflict of the main story.
When you introduce a pivotal conflict from the beginning, it not only lays the groundwork for character development and plot progression but also keeps readers glued to every page, anticipating the climax and resolution.
There’s something irresistibly alluring about a mystery.
By introducing an enigma or unanswered question right from the start, readers are instantly engaged, trying to unravel the puzzle alongside your characters.
Think about the haunting opening paragraph of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca:
“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.”
Immediately, readers are propelled into a world of memories, wondering what Manderley is and why it’s so significant.
Mystery serves as a promise to the reader, a pledge that all will be revealed if they continue turning the pages.
Starting with a clear theme gives readers a heads-up about what’s coming.
Take Animal Farm by George Orwell, and its opening line:
“Mr Jones, of the Manor Farm, had locked the hen-houses for the night, but was too drunk to remember to shut the popholes.”
Straight away, Orwell subtly hints at the themes of neglect, power, and rebellion that are at the core of his story.
By making your theme evident from the start, you anchor your readers, giving them a lens through which to view the ensuing events, enriching their overall experience of the narrative.
Sometimes, the most effective way to capture your readers attention is by placing two contrasting elements side by side.
This juxtaposition can be thematic, character-based, or even scenic. By doing so, the inherent tension between these opposites can drive narrative interest.
For instance, in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, the famous opening line “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” immediately sets up a story of contrasts.
The stark differences not only spotlight the disparities within the tale but also invite readers to reflect on deeper meanings and implications. When utilized effectively, juxtaposition can be a profound tool in drawing readers into your narrative’s universe.
A story told from a distinctive viewpoint can provide fresh angles on familiar themes, ensuring that your narrative stands out in a sea of similar tales. For example:
Starting with a unique voice or perspective not only adds depth to your story but ensures that it’s memorable.
And when done well, such narratives linger long after the last page has been turned, prompting reflection and discussion.
A gripping beginning is crucial, but don’t forget to avoid common missteps that can repel readers.
Being aware of these pitfalls is critical to ensuring your story starts on the right foot.
By dodging these pitfalls, you’ll ensure that your story’s opening not only grabs attention but also maintains it, setting the stage for a compelling narrative.
Armed with the above techniques, you now know how to start your story the right way.
Trust in your craft and the lessons you’ve gathered here.
What you’ve explored today are tools – not rules. They’re here to serve your storytelling and unique writing voice.
So lean into them. Experiment. The magic lies in taking what resonates and making it authentically yours.
Your story deserves to be heard. Let its opening be as unforgettable as you.
Write a Book, Writing
This post was originally published on September 18th, 2023 by Sarah Cha. It has been updated for clarity and comprehensiveness.
Sarah Cha
Sarah Cha is an avid reader and writer who can’t resist a good story hook. She spent 30+ hours researching to find the most helpful tips for starting a story the right way.