How to Start Your Story: Strategies for Crafting Compelling Openings
As a professional screenwriter and experienced storyteller, one of the essential skills I possess is the ability to start stories in a way that immediately grabs the reader's attention. While there are various techniques, some are more effective than others. Let's explore the strategies that can help you begin your story with a bang.
1. Start with Action
The first piece of advice I would give is to start with action. This could be a physical action, a conversation, or even a psychological conflict. Avoid wasting time on description and instead immerse the reader in the heart of the events. By doing this, you create a sense of immediacy that pulls the reader into your story.
Example:
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the silhouette of a man appeared in the doorway, his eyes scanning the room with an intensity that seemed to pierce the darkness.
Here, we don't know exactly what's about to happen, but we immediately feel the tension. This opening leaves the reader eager to find out what follows.
2. Create Intrinsic Inertia
A good way to grab attention is to create a sense of intrinsic intrigue. This could be through a dialogue, a question, or a strange phenomenon that needs to be understood. Information should be revealing gradually, piece by piece, so that the reader is compelled to keep reading to unravel the mystery.
Example:
“Do you think it could still be here?” The whisper echoed in the dimly lit room, though no one else was around.
This moment could either be something trivial or the sign of an impending disaster. The reader is left intrigued, wondering what these words mean in the context of the story.
3. Use an Unexpected Twist
In screenwriting, they say, 'Start with a bold statement and then proceed to compel the reader with all the facts.' A well-timed surprise can be a powerful tool to capture your reader's interest. This places the reader in a state of surprise and immediately piques their interest in what happened.
Example:
“I’m not dead,” he said, hanging by a single thread from the life-support system.
This places the reader in a state of surprise and immediately piques their interest. They want to know what happened and why he is hanging from the life-support system in the first place.
4. Set the Atmosphere
Atmosphere is crucial, especially in mystery or thriller genres, where a description of place or setting can lay the foundation for a compelling story. This can be done through a detailed immersion into the world through sensations and perceptions. The environment becomes a character in the story, and the reader is transported into a world that feels both tangible and alien.
Example:
The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and overripe fruit. Leaves crunched softly beneath my boots as I turned the corner, the moon casting shadows that danced just beyond the low, overgrown walls.
This atmosphere sets the reader up for something important but without giving a direct indication of what will happen. The reader feels that something unusual is afoot, and they are eager to uncover the mystery.
5. Introduce Your Characters Vividly
In short stories, it’s vital to create a vivid image of the character from the very first lines. This helps the reader become invested in who they are and what they want. By focusing on the character's unique traits, thoughts, and actions, you can spark interest and engagement from the outset.
Example:
He was known among the inmates as 'the brooding genius' for a reason—his eyes, dark and inscrutable, seemed to hold secrets that no one could penetrate.
By giving a glimpse of the character's unusual demeanor and thoughts, the reader is naturally drawn in. They want to know more about this intriguing individual and what his past might hold.
Two Outlines: A Strategic Approach
I generally start with two outlines. The first is a general outline that provides a broad framework for the story. The second is a detailed outline that delves into the specifics, ensuring that each scene flows logically and contributes to the overall narrative.
By the time I start writing a draft, I have a decent idea of everything I will be writing about. This approach helps maintain a clear focus and keeps the story on track, ensuring that every element serves the purpose of engaging the reader.