How To Start a Story

writing craft

How do I captivate the reader by writing a great beginning? How do I start a story?

Know the end - it will help you pick the best way to start.
Zoom Out to decide which type of beginning the story needs. There are 7 types of story beginnings to hold the reader CAPTIVE:
- CHARACTER - let the reader be drawn in by the characters
- ACTION/DIALOGUE - throw the reader straight into the action
- PREVIEW - show the reader a glimpse of what is to come
- TENSION - establish high stakes from the start
- IMAGE - immerse the reader in your world
- VIBE - set the tone and mood of the story
- EXTRAORDINARY - be different, surprise the reader
SET the Hook — follow these 4 steps to start a story to reel in your reader.
Find the right start for YOUR story, one that matches your idea or concept for the story, your characters' arcs, your story’s emotional arc, the genre, tone, and mood of your story, and your own style and voice.

Before we start ...
do you want to write fiction faster,
while practicing your craft
and your writing process
to consistently get better?

Check out this link to
the FREE "Write Fiction Faster ... and better"
guide and workbook,
which comes with a FREE companion course
with 23 bite-sized video lessons and 4 worksheets.

Know the End

Knowing the end of your story before you write the beginning can help you write with intention, consciously craft the characters and plot ahead of time, and make sure that all elements of the story cohesively weave together for a satisfying conclusion.

You can use the ending to create a roadmap for yourself. Knowing where your story will end up allows you to plan out how each event in the story needs to lead up to it, what needs to happen in order for your characters' arcs to reach their climaxes, and how the emotional arc should progress throughout the narrative.

Having an understanding of where you want your story to go also gives you a better sense of pacing and structure within the narrative. You can build suspense by leaving certain elements until later parts of the story, or you can bait readers into connecting certain dots by introducing hints earlier on in the story foreshadowing future events.

Start Late

You should start your story as late in the narrative as possible to best capture the reader’s attention and draw them into your world. Another way to say this is “start the story as close to the end as possible”, which is why it’s great to know the end before you write the beginning.

For flash fiction pieces, this could mean starting at the climax of your story, just before or during a pivotal moment for your protagonist. This way, it’s easier to convey the intensity of the situation without having to spend too much time building up the context and background information. Conveying details will still be important though - it’s crucial to provide small clues that hint at what has been happening prior while still keeping enough of an air of mystery to keep readers hooked.

When it comes to short stories, starting late in the narrative can help give readers a better understanding of not only the main characters but also their relationships with one another. You can quickly introduce them through dialogue or actions without having to go through too much backstory.

For novellas, starting late allows you explore multiple plot twists and tensions within a longer form narrative than you would be able to do with flash fiction or short stories. As such, you want to make sure not to reveal all information immediately; leaving questions unanswered from early on in the story helps sustain interest throughout its lengthier duration.

Finally, for novels, starting “as close to the end as possible” means that you avoid long buildups and jump right into action, letting important context be revealed later. You could also open your novel very close to the climax in a framing scene, then go back and show how the characters got into this climactic situation.

Zoom Out: 7 Types of Story Beginnings

Zoom Out to decide which type of beginning the story needs. There are 7 types of story beginnings to hold the reader CAPTIVE (mnemonic):

CHARACTER

Starting with focus on character is an excellent way to connect with readers and draw them into the story. Have your protagonist speak from their own perspective as you bring them alive on the page, allowing readers to put themselves in their shoes.

Character wants and needs should be clear - what do they desire? What drives them forward? Make sure it’s something tangible that readers can relate to. Define their personality not only through what they say but also how they act; let those actions tell a story of its own and hint at who the character really is beneath the surface.

ACTION/DIALOGUE

Starting with action and dialogue is a great way to quickly draw readers into your story. You can use it as a launching point to introduce characters, setting, conflicts, and themes - all while providing an immersive experience.

One approach you take is to structure your story the form of a scene — beginning with an inciting incident that sets the tone for what’s to come. Establishing this initial tension will keep readers engaged as they are thrown straight into the action and the consequences that follow. Through dialogue, you can reveal more about characters' personalities, relationships, goals, and motivations as they interact with one another. This gives them a chance to show – not tell – who they are and allows readers to form their own opinions about them.

Besides conveying information through dialogue alone, another approach is to incorporate physical actions or movement that informs characterization. These moments can help break up conversations while driving forward plot points as well; it could be something as simple as a character crossing their arms or adjusting their glasses in response to something being said that reveals more without having too many words being said aloud.

By utilizing these strategies of starting off stories with action and dialogue, you’ll be able create immersive experiences that captivate your audience from the start - making sure all elements within it will be coherent and consistent when put together as one cohesive piece.

PREVIEW

Starting off a story with a preview is an effective way to hook readers right away and provide them with a glimpse of what’s to come. Through this technique, you can give readers a sense of the stakes and what they have to look forward to as they continue reading.

One approach you can take is using a framing device, such as beginning in the future before returning to the present moment. This jump into the future helps provide clarity on the stakes of your narrative, giving readers something to anticipate as they experience it firsthand within the story itself. It also serves as foreshadowing for whatever conflict or resolution lies ahead.

Another approach is setting up a contrast between past and present that conveys how much has changed from the start of your story to where characters end up at its conclusion; this could be done through either flashbacks or fast-forwards that bookend certain scenes or even chapters within your work. Doing so can help give more context for readers and provide further insight into how far characters have come throughout their journey - thus making their arcs all the more powerful when it comes time for its resolution.

When done right, starting off with these types of previews can create intrigue and anticipation that will keep readers wanting to learn more about what’s yet to come in your story. By weaving together details related to characters, setting, themes, and plot points in such a way that hints at things yet unseen — you will not only draw people in but also surprise them with unexpected developments along their journey from start to finish.

TENSION

Starting a story off with tension and high stakes can be an effective way to draw readers in and keep them invested in your narrative. The key is to start the story off with a bang, introducing characters and plot points that have immediate implications for the journey that lies ahead. You can create this tension by introducing a dramatic or unexpected shift within the first few scenes or chapters, whether it’s through a disclosure of secrets, betrayals between characters, or clashes of ideologies. Doing so will help draw readers in right away and build anticipation as to what’s going to happen next.

You can use techniques such as foreshadowing and suspenseful pacing to emphasize the stakes of your story from the very beginning. Foreshadowing helps provide subtle hints about what’s going to come later on in your narrative, allowing readers to make connections between past events and future developments.

Suspenseful pacing emphasizes certain moments that increase tension through rising action — making sure every detail counts towards ultimately creating an unforgettable experience for readers throughout its entirety.

Overall, starting off with tension and high stakes helps create immersive experiences for readers from the get-go. By weaving together these elements within your narrative in clever ways — you’ll be able write stories that captivate audiences from start to finish with thrilling twists and turns along their journey.

IMAGE

Starting a story off with a vivid image can be incredibly effective in drawing readers in and immersing them into the world you create. By beginning with an evocative description, you are able to provide readers with a cinematic experience of the setting, characters, and plot points that lie ahead. Whether it’s through describing the physical environment of your world or utilizing figurative language to capture the emotions being experienced by characters — this technique can help craft powerful introductions that will stay with readers throughout their journey.

For instance, when crafting your opening scene — consider nuances such as the sensory details of your setting and how specific elements (i.e. colors, sounds, smells) may be used to emphasize certain aspects of the plot or character arcs. Doing so will help draw readers in from the very beginning and provide meaningful context for whatever developments follow. Additionally, using descriptive words to bring life to characters or objects within your story will help build up an exciting atmosphere for readers - allowing them to experience each scene through more than just dialogue or action-based descriptions.

When it comes to worldbuilding - writing detailed descriptions of settings or cultures can also make for powerful beginnings that engage readers right away. Pay attention to these details carefully since they can often set the tone for how other elements within the story are going to develop — whether its through foreshadowing narrative twists or providing deeper insights into a character’s backstory. Don’t be afraid to include some exposition at first if it helps build up anticipation towards what’s yet to come in your story.

Overall, starting a story off with a vivid image is an effective way to engage readers right away and immerse them into your narrative from its inception. With careful consideration given towards each detail you choose to include — you’ll be able create stories where each unique element works together harmoniously; crafting experiences that will captivate audiences from start to finish.

VIBE

Starting a story off with to convey the right vibe, tone, and mood can be an effective way to hook readers in and keep them invested as they progress through your narrative. Whether it’s invoking feelings of mystery and suspense, or filling readers with dread — the initial impression you make will help set the expectations for how their experience of your story will unfold.

Consider carefully which elements from your world you want to emphasize at the beginning. Utilizing descriptive words can be useful for establishing the atmosphere within each scene - allowing readers to paint vivid mental images that transport them directly into your story. Using metaphors or similes can also be helpful in capturing certain emotions experienced by characters or particular aspects of settings that may otherwise go unnoticed.

You should also pay close attention to how you frame up characters and objects within each scene. For instance, by hinting at secrets or foreshadowing events yet to come - you can build tension and intrigue while still managing to provide meaningful context for whatever developments follow.

Emphasizing certain quirks or interests of characters can provide an insight into their personality — helping readers connect with them on an emotional level right away.

EXTRAORDINARY

Starting a story off in an unexpected and unusual way can be an effective way to capture readers’ attention and keep them invested in your narrative. A powerful introduction can set the tone for how your story progresses along, allowing you to introduce elements in interesting, unique ways that audiences wouldn’t otherwise expect from conventional stories.

Consider how you could frame up your characters and settings differently than what is usually seen. For instance, instead of beginning with a typical exposition or introduction — present the initial scene through a surreal dream sequence or by hinting at hidden secrets yet to come. This will help create an unpredictable atmosphere that keeps readers guessing as they progress through your narrative.

You could also make use of metaphors, similes, and other figurative language to provide insights into certain aspects of the story that may go unnoticed. Describing characters or objects in ways that are not often seen can be helpful for drawing in audiences right away and introducing them to your world without having to explain too much upfront. Incorporating elements from other genres such as horror, fantasy, or science fiction in a mystery or a romance can create a story with unique qualities that stand out from the rest.

SET the Hook: 4 Steps to Start a Story

When you follow these 4 steps to start a story, you'll reel in your reader and keep them on the hook to read the story from start to finish.

The steps are:

A SHORT line (narrative question, statement, action, dialogue, etc.) …
… followed by a paragraph that builds on the short line to add EMOTIVE qualities
... then heightens the TENSION, before you
... HOOK the reader with a third (and fourth and fifth) paragraph to reel them even deeper into the emotion and tension with a promise of more to come.

Read the example from Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall” and notice how the prose flows from the first short line of dialogue into the the next paragraph and then to the third and fourth, adding those emotive elements (this is his father, his parent, threatening to kill the boy) and tension (one more kick and the boy may be dead) right from the start, then hooks us to keep reading.

1. SHORT

Starting your story off with a short sentence can be an effective way to grab readers’ attention and keep them invested in your narrative. Whether it’s a statement, a question, a line of dialogue, or an action; this introductory sentence should have the power to set the tone for how your story progresses along while also providing meaningful context for whatever developments follow.

Try to craft this opening line in such a way that it can hint at secrets or foreshadow events yet to come, as well as draw upon certain emotions experienced by characters. Utilizing descriptive words and metaphors will also help paint vivid mental images that transport readers directly into your story — which should set the stage for the introduction of characters and objects. Furthermore, emphasizing certain quirks or interests of characters early on can provide insight into their personality and make them more relatable in the eyes of readers from the get-go.

2. EMOTIVE

In the second paragraph, capture powerful emotions to draw readers in and keep them invested in your narrative. Expressing the feelings experienced by characters through words and descriptions will help transport audiences into the world of your story, allowing them to connect emotionally with what is happening on a much deeper level.

When writing about emotions, you should use descriptive language that paints vivid mental pictures for readers so they can accurately imagine what characters are going through. Try using terms such as anger, sorrow, joy, excitement, fear or anxiety to express these feelings - making sure that each emotion reflects the characteristics and personalities of certain characters involved. Additionally, consider how certain elements such as objects or settings may contribute to this emotion as well, taking note of any meaningful details that could prove useful while writing.

3. TENSE

The first sentence of the story provides readers with the context and emotion needed to draw them in. From there, stakes can be set by introducing a problem or challenge that characters will face throughout their journey.

When creating tension, try providing detailed descriptions of settings and objects that can impact the emotions experienced by characters. Consider how these elements can come together to form an atmosphere of dread or uncertainty, as readers become increasingly aware of what’s at stake and what consequences they may face if they fail.

Introducing dramatic events at the very beginning of a story is also effective when aiming to grab attention and create tension right away. Describing events that are both thrilling and threatening can provide readers with insight into how characters will be affected throughout their journey; adding further suspense and anticipation to the narrative.

Last but not least, raising questions early on in your story will help keep readers intrigued until they find the answers they seek.

4. HOOK

In third paragraph — and the fourth and the fifth and so on — go even deeper in the emotion and tension, then promise more to come to hook the reader.

Additionally, you should use these paragraphs to establish the tone of your story, as well as introduce some of the core elements or characters involved in your narrative.

By this time, the reader should be invested in the story, reeled in and captivated to read on until the end.

Your Story: Find the Right Start

You will need to consider several elements when looking for the right start for YOUR Story.

Identify how your story’s idea or concept will be best introduced in the beginning of the narrative.
Depending on the particular genre and tone of the story, certain types of narrative voice might be more suitable than others.
Think about the character arcs of the story in order to create a proper introduction that serves their development within your story. This requires careful thought about which characters should be highlighted and featured in the beginning of your story and what specific traits should be portrayed in order for them to come alive within your readers’ imaginations. Additionally, depending on how these characters interact with each other throughout your story, certain beginnings can also set up intriguing questions that will drive readers towards wanting to find out more about them.
The emotional arc of the story gives life and purpose to stories by adding depth and meaning into them. When determining how to start off a story accordingly, think about how you want people reading it feel after having read through its entirety — this can then help guide you into crafting an opening that sets up key elements in order for this desired emotion or feeling at its climax towards the end of your work.
Genre conventions must also be taken into consideration when deciding on what type of start you would like for your work; dark fantasy stories require a darker tone compared to lighthearted comedies or romance stories which need something comical yet heartwarming within their first few pages. While there is some wiggle room here as well due to creative freedom being allowed within genres too, it is important not forget these genre-specific conventions entirely so that readers can recognize which category they are reading from even before finishing it entirely.
Take into account both tone and mood when considering how best to begin a piece with those two working hand in hand together.

Finally, make sure your start of your story reflects your personal style and writing voice.

With all these factors taken into account when crafting a suitable start for your story, you can be sure that readers will captivated and reeled in to read the story from beginning to end.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to start a story?

Starting a story can be daunting, but when you break down the steps into manageable pieces, it becomes easier to move forward. As a writer, your first step is to come up with an idea for what you want to write about. Be creative — draw inspiration from your favorite books and movies or think of something completely new. Once you have an idea in place, create characters and a setting that fit the story. Then you’ll need to decide on the plot — who are the characters and how do they interact? What themes will be explored? Answering these questions will help you figure out where to start your story. Now that you know where it’s going, begin writing by describing the setting and introducing the main characters before diving into action. You can also use dialogue between characters or play off existing tension between them as effective ways to grab readers' attention from page one. Following these simple steps will make starting your next story much more enjoyable.

2. Should I plan my story before writing it?

Yes, you should plan your story before writing it. Crafting an outline in advance can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run. This will give you some structure for your story, so that you have an idea of where it needs to go and which direction to take it. Outlines also help with continuity — if there are key plot points or scenes that need to happen during the course of the story, having them outlined ahead of time can ensure they don’t get forgotten later on down the line. So before diving into your next tale, take a few moments to jot down some notes about who is involved in your story, what challenges they will face and how their journey ultimately ends. Doing this makes getting started much easier and leads to more organized storytelling.

3. How much research should I do beforehand?

When starting a story, you should do some research beforehand to ensure the details and setting are accurate. Depending on the subject matter of your story, this could include reading up on history or geography, researching characters from different cultures or gathering information about unique topics that need to be included. While researching is essential for certain stories, it’s important not to get too carried away — you want to give your readers enough information so they understand what’s happening in the story without burying them with facts and figures. When done correctly, research can help bolster your credibility as a writer and also provide fuel for more creative elements of your tale. So don’t neglect this step - invest time in doing research upfront and reap the rewards when crafting an amazing narrative later.

4. Is it okay to write based on personal experience or opinion?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to write based on personal experience or opinion. It can be a great way to inject your own voice into the story and share meaningful insights with readers. Writing from experience also helps ensure you stay true to the genuine emotion of the piece, because you’ll be able to draw more directly from moments that actually happened in your life. Just be sure to include enough factual information when writing about real-world events so readers have context for understanding where you’re coming from. Ultimately, using personal experiences as part of your story can help bring a unique perspective and make your narrative stand out — just make sure not to forget that stories are still fiction at their core.

5. Should I outline my story before starting to write it out?

Yes, you should outline your story before starting to write it out. This will help keep you on track and ensure that all the key elements of your story are accounted for. An outline can also serve as a roadmap, providing direction and keeping your writing focused on the main plot points while cutting away unnecessary distractions. Plus, if writer’s block strikes, having an outline can give you more ideas on how to get the story moving forward again. So take a few moments to plan out your next narrative masterpiece — you’ll thank yourself later.

6. How can I find inspiration for my stories?

You can find inspiration for stories by looking at everyday life and turning ordinary moments into new tales. Tap into your own memories, curiosities, and creative ideas to form a unique story world. Books and movies can also provide great source material — pay attention to why certain elements work well in inspiring works of literature or film, then use that as a starting point for creating something new. You can also take inspiration from other writers or interesting people you meet - simply observe the way they tell their stories and learn how to apply those techniques to your own writing. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of nature — taking time away from screens and spending time outdoors may spark some unexpected storytelling ideas. The possibilities are endless — all you need is creativity.

7. What tips and techniques can help me come up with creative ideas for stories?

As a writer, you can come up with creative ideas for stories by tapping into your own experiences and memories, as well as drawing inspiration from books and movies. Spend time observing other people and writers to see how they tell their stories, then apply those techniques to your own work. It also helps to step away from screens and spend some time outdoors - nature can provide unexpected storytelling ideas! Finally, try using writing prompts or creating a plot map of your story so that you outline the key plot points before beginning the narrative. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to create an amazing story that is both engaging and creative.

8. Are there any particular elements that should be included when starting a story in order to make sure readers engage with the narrative from the beginning?

Yes, when starting a story there are certain elements you should include to ensure readers engage with the narrative from the beginning. You should start off by introducing your protagonist and setting up the world they inhabit - give them a personality and make sure to provide enough context for readers to understand who they are and why they’re worth following. Establishing conflict early in the narrative is also key, as this will help hold readers’ attention and keep them invested in what happens next. Finally, introducing themes that go beyond plot is important so that your story can resonate with readers on an emotional level; focus on topics like morality, identity, or growth throughout the tale so that even if your characters don’t complete their mission at hand, people take away valuable insights from reading your narrative. With these elements in mind, you’re sure to craft an engaging story that captivates readers.

9. What are some popular types of storytelling structures that work well when starting a new story?

As a writer, you have many popular types of storytelling structures to choose from when starting a new story. Narratives that rely on traditional three-act structure begin with an inciting incident and introduce the main character before delving into the major plot points leading up to the climax. Another option is to use an episodic narrative structure, in which each chapter serves as its own mini story and contributes to a larger arc across multiple chapters or books. With this type of structure, readers can fall in love with characters over time rather than all at once like in traditional three-act structure. Or if you prefer something nonlinear, try using flashback scenes or stream-of-consciousness narration - both techniques can provide interesting avenues for exploration and insight into your characters’ mindsets without having everything laid out in chronological order. Consider what type of themes you want explore and how much control you want over your story’s timeline when deciding which storytelling style works best for your particular tale.

10. Are there any mistakes writers should avoid when first starting their stories?

As a writer, you should avoid making assumptions about your readers and their interests. Remember that each reader is an individual with their own tastes and sensibilities, so giving them too much information at the beginning of your story or not providing enough context can disrupt the flow of your narrative. Additionally, it’s important to remember that stories should start off as something small before becoming a grand epic - give readers room to explore and build up suspense without overwhelming them with details from the onset. Finally, be sure to proofread your work for typos or grammar mistakes so that readers don’t get distracted from following the story due to poor writing quality. By avoiding these common mistakes when starting a new story you will surely craft a piece of literature worth reading.

Resources

MY FAVORITE ALL-PURPOSE RESOURCE

The Writer's Treasure Chest - everything in one place, curated, organized, this is a great reference for all things writing craft, with tons of prompts, plot/character generators and other tools to inspire you to write a great story with a great beginning.

As you write your story, here are some articles that will be helpful as you work on all the aspects of the writing craft and your writing process:

FREE COURSE, GUIDE AND WORKBOOK

Do you want to write fiction faster, while practicing your craft and your writing process to consistently get better? Check out this link to the "Write Fiction Faster ... and better" guide and workbook, which comes with a companion course with 23 bite-sized video lessons and 4 worksheets.

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