Opening sentences for stories. 21 of the Best Opening Lines in Children's Books 2022-12-27

Opening sentences for stories Rating: 5,3/10 1481 reviews

Opening sentences are crucial for setting the tone and hooking the reader into a story. They are the first impression that a reader has of the story, and they need to be carefully crafted to entice the reader to keep reading. A great opening sentence can draw the reader in and set the stage for the rest of the story, while a weak opening sentence can turn the reader off and cause them to lose interest.

There are many different approaches to writing opening sentences for stories. Some writers like to start with a bang, using a bold, attention-grabbing statement to set the tone for the rest of the story. Others prefer to start with a more subtle, enigmatic opening sentence that leaves the reader wondering what will happen next.

One effective technique is to start with a question or a problem. This immediately engages the reader's curiosity and encourages them to continue reading to find out the answer or resolution. For example, the opening sentence of J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" is "If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like..." This immediately sets the stage for a narrative about the protagonist's life and creates a sense of intrigue for the reader.

Another approach is to start with a vivid description or a striking image. This can help to set the mood and atmosphere of the story and draw the reader into the world of the story. For example, the opening sentence of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." This immediately establishes the setting and the social norms of the time, and sets the stage for the rest of the story.

Overall, the key to writing a great opening sentence for a story is to find a balance between grabbing the reader's attention and setting the stage for the rest of the story. By using a variety of techniques and approaches, writers can craft opening sentences that are both engaging and effective at setting the tone for the rest of the story.

The 50 Best Novel Opening Sentences

opening sentences for stories

It was there the billionaires of the world gathered to announce their joint decision, either oblivious or indifferent to the revolution brewing next door. The burn is what gets me. For more ideas on how to start your story, check out these. Once she catches your scent β€” a scent like yours, especially β€” she learns everything about you. One way of choosing a novel is to open several books and read the opening sentences. We once had everything and now we have nothing. This book opens with a scene of mass violence that sets the stage for a story of exile and survival in a hostile world.

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THE BEST 43 OPENING LINES IN NOVEL WRITING HISTORY

opening sentences for stories

That semicolon cuts like a sword in itself. They need to be concrete and specific, capturing the attention of readers right away. Everyone assumed Jack the Ripper was a man. We all know that we shouldn't I, like most judgmental readers, enjoy pawing through bookstore shelves and reading first line after first line. It gets right to the point. If climbing into the car is the first step to a road trip adventure, nailing that first sentence is the first step to your story adventure. I could barely look at it.

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Sentences to Start a Story (With 6 Tips and Dozens of Examples!)

opening sentences for stories

On a night like this, the sky should be full of stars, but as she looked up, her legs almost gave out. The trolls in that valley are the ones who found me and gave me my name. Why should I get away with it? Have you ever browsed your local bookstore, selected a book from the shelf, opened to the first page, and read the first sentence? Apparently there's a long story about this meerkat? This is a book in which people take pleasure in burning things specifically books, as we soon find out. That prologue was so dreary I almost gave up on the book that first time. Your audience will trust you if you can show you actually have feelings for them and are genuinely trying to help through your writing.

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First Line Writing Prompts: 60+ One Line Prompts

opening sentences for stories

Tyler arrived with the horses, February eighteenth, three days after the battleship Maine blew up in Havana harbor. Be Honest and Sympathetic Being honest in your writing means that you should be able to connect with the emotional side of your readers. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. They can be a part of a story or a part of a scene. List of 101 First Line Generator Ideas The best way to use a sentence generator is to start free-writing on the first one that grabs your interest and write as quickly as you can. As far as she was concerned, he was a typical teenager with a hoodie. They were in bad shape β€” frostbitten, bleeding, and barely able to walk.

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21 of the Best Opening Lines in Children's Books

opening sentences for stories

Why Is an Opening Sentence Important? I have often thought that with any luck at all, I could have been born a werewolf, because the two middle fingers on both my hands are the same length, but I have had to be content with what I had. Here are some practical tips for establishing an instant connection with the reader. Thank you for the openers. The best story starters are the ones that give the reader a glimpse into the story. You can even publish your story online β€” Just sign-up to create your free account. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.

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25 of the Best Opening Lines in Crime Fiction

opening sentences for stories

These questions propel the reader forward. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful. Or at least, how I try. A cat has nine lives. Without even mentioning death or blood or murder, Flynn creates a chilling atmosphere with this simple first sentence. Β© Colin Falconer I even tore out the first three pages of one of my favorite novels β€” The Poisonwood Bibleβ€” when I came to re-read it.

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150+ Story Starters: Creative Opening Lines (+Free Generator)

opening sentences for stories

Tip five: Establish the goal. I did not understand what she meant at the time. Amor Towles, in A Gentleman in Moscow, does so with his first line. He made it sound as though the very worst thing I could be was a witch. Why is a hobbit living in a hole? Banks, The Crow Road Hard not to be hooked after that. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton.

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First Line Generator (101 perfect prompts to get your creative juices flowing)

opening sentences for stories

And you believe him? Sentences to start a horror story. Reading is human company. Right between the eyes. He must be handsome, ruthless, and stupid. If you want to begin your book in this way, carefully consider your theme and what type of statement will help build on this theme. Merrit Okay, so this is two sentences. With the focus solely on crime fiction books.

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The 10 Most Terrifying Opening Lines From Books

opening sentences for stories

The secret to writing a compelling opener is creating a story within a single line. One of them, poor John, I left at the altar. The day your grandmother explodes is always an important day. It can stick with you for days, weeks, even years. You never know what may spark an idea for your writing.


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Great Opening Sentences from Classic Fantasy Novels

opening sentences for stories

Too bad for him my job would probably kill me first. You can also use a question or an inspirational quote. What is home anyway? And the word "meerkat" just sort of pops out at you. What Is an Opening Sentence? I dislike washing myself, and dogs, and noise. There was a reason.

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