As a writer, I often find one the most challenging components of an article to be the beginning. I often instructed my students to write this part last, which surprised them, but I would ask: How do you know where your story is going until after it's gotten there?
That advice may not hold up for a work of fiction, but across genres, the struggle of a perfect opening is universal. Yet it's one that must be overcome, as editors judge manuscripts by the first few paragraphs, and so to do readers. How often have you started a book at the store, the library, or your reading chair, and quickly found it didn't live up to expectations? Better to find a tale that grips you from the get-go.
Readers may have the luxury of skipping an intro, but writers do not. Fortunately, Jacob M. Appel of Writer's Digest offers ten ways to start your story better. Each suggestion includes explanation and example, but to summarize:
- Build momentum.
- Resist the urge to start too early.
- Remember that small hooks catch more fish than big ones.
- Open at a distance and close in.
- Avoid getting ahead of your reader.
- Start with a minor mystery.
- Keep talk to a minimum.
- Be mindful of what works.
- When in doubt, test several options.
- Revisit the beginning once you reach the end.
There — that was easy. Now can we get tips on how to write better middles and ends?