How to Start a Story: Proven Techniques from Famous Authors
Starting a story is often one of the hardest parts of writing. The pressure to craft the perfect opening line can feel overwhelming, but let’s begin with an important truth: there is no single “right” way to start a story. Every writer has their own voice and style, and what works for one might not work for another. The best way to find your unique approach to openings is simple—write a lot. Experiment with different techniques, and don’t let the fear of crafting the perfect first sentence hold you back from putting words on the page.
That said, learning from successful authors can provide inspiration and help you understand what makes certain opening lines effective. In this blog post, we’ll explore various ways to begin a story, supported by examples from some of the most famous opening lines in literature.
Why Opening Lines Matter
The first sentence of your story serves as the gateway into the world you’re creating. A great opening line grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for what’s to come. Whether you aim to start with a bang or build slow intrigue, the key is to pull the reader in quickly so they’ll want to keep turning the pages.
Let’s dive into some tried-and-true approaches for crafting effective opening lines, followed by examples that demonstrate each technique in action.
Proven Approaches to Starting a Story
1. Open with Mystery
Starting your story by introducing an enigma can immediately engage readers. A mysterious or ambiguous statement piques their curiosity and prompts them to read on in search of answers.
- Example: “Call me Ishmael.” – Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Arguably the most famous opening line in literature, this brief sentence creates an instant connection while shrouding the character in mystery. Who is Ishmael, really? Why does he want to be called that? By keeping things ambiguous, Melville pulls readers into the story, making them eager to uncover more.
2. Establish Conflict or Theme
Introducing a central conflict or theme in the very first sentence can help set the tone and give readers a sense of what the story is about. This method works particularly well in stories that focus on societal issues or relationships.
- Example: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Austen’s opening line is both witty and thematic, immediately setting the stage for a story about marriage, class, and social expectations. With this sentence, Austen introduces a central theme—societal conventions around marriage—and does so in a way that invites readers to question it.
3. Create a Personal Connection
Some of the most memorable opening lines work because they feel intimate and direct. By addressing the reader personally or using a conversational tone, you can create an immediate sense of connection.
- Example: “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.” – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Rowling opens with humor and a casual tone, establishing a sense of normalcy before introducing readers to the magical world of Harry Potter. This personal, relatable start helps ground the story, making the fantastical elements feel more accessible.
4. Be Witty
Injecting humor or cleverness into your opening line can set the tone for a more lighthearted or satirical story. Witty openings work well to engage readers who appreciate a sense of playfulness or irony.
- Example: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” – 1984 by George Orwell
Orwell’s opening line is a masterclass in subtle wit. By juxtaposing the mundane description of the weather with an impossible detail—clocks striking thirteen—he creates a sense of unease and alerts readers that they’re entering a world that’s not quite like our own.
5. Start with Action
Jumping straight into the action is a great way to grab readers from the very first sentence. Whether it’s a chase, a fight, or a moment of high tension, action-packed openings can create an immediate sense of urgency.
- Example: “The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” – The Gunslinger by Stephen King
King wastes no time pulling readers into the action. From the first line, we’re thrown into a pursuit with little context, but enough intrigue to make us want to know more. Who is the man in black? Why is he being chased?
6. Hook with a Promise
Sometimes, an opening line works because it makes a promise to the reader—a promise that something unique, mysterious, or magical will be revealed as the story unfolds.
- Example: “All children, except one, grow up.” – Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Barrie’s opening line immediately hooks readers by introducing an intriguing exception. The line promises that we will meet a child who doesn’t grow up, sparking curiosity about who this child is and why he’s different.
How to Find the Right Opening for Your Story
As you can see from these examples, there are many ways to start a story, and each method creates a different type of emotional response from the reader. To find the right opening for your story, consider the following:
- Tone: What tone are you aiming for? Is your story dark and suspenseful, lighthearted and humorous, or somewhere in between? Your opening line should match the overall tone of your narrative.
- Genre: Think about your genre. Mysteries and thrillers often work well with openings that build tension or create intrigue, while romance or drama might benefit from more emotional or character-driven beginnings.
- Theme: What is the central theme of your story? If your story revolves around societal issues, relationships, or personal growth, consider using your first sentence to introduce that theme.
- Character: Sometimes, an opening line works best when it gives readers a glimpse into the protagonist’s personality. Think about whether your opening should introduce your character directly or hint at their internal conflicts.
Conclusion
Starting a story doesn’t have to be daunting. While there’s no one “right” way to write an opening line, understanding the different techniques authors use can provide you with a toolkit of strategies to experiment with. Whether you choose to open with action, mystery, or a witty observation, the most important thing is that your first sentence draws readers in and compels them to keep reading.
So, don’t let the pressure of a perfect opening hold you back from writing. Remember, you can always refine your opening later, but you can’t edit a blank page. Get started, experiment with different styles, and find the opening that best suits your story and voice.
