- Start with action or dialogue.
- Describe the setting so readers can imagine it.
- Give background information that will interest readers.
- Introduce yourself to readers in a surprising way.
- Ask a Question
- Introduce a key character’s name (and how they got it) .
- Start with a problem that will grab your readers attention
- Introduce a strong narratorial voice. .
- Begin with a character doing something unusual or in a difficult situation
Examples
- I heard a cry echoed in the woods
- Sweat swim along his face as his feet beat against the gravel
- The phone rang. “Hello,” I said, “Hello.” No one was there. I hung up. All the lights went out… A loud cry came from the basement
- As the lightning struck the tar black sky the power went out.
