What is a good first line for a story?

“An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story,” he said. “It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.” The first sentence sets the stage—however long or short the text—and hints at the “narrative vehicle” by which the writer will propel the book forward.

How do you write a catchy opening line?

Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don’t think you can say, but you still want to say….Examples of Great First Sentences (And How They Did It)

1. Revealing Personal Information.
2. Mirroring the Reader’s Pain.
3. Asking the Reader a Question.
4. Shock the Reader.
5. Intrigue the Reader.

How do you write a strong opening sentence?

Introductions

1. Attract the Reader’s Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader’s attention and introduces the general topic.
2. State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper.
3. State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.

How do you write an effective story opening?

It’s worth taking time to think of good ways to start your story, so follow our tips on how to write your beginning.

1. Spark a reader’s interest.
2. Put a character in a setting.
3. Introduce a main character.
4. Start with action.
5. Hook them in.
6. Make it clear.
7. Have a distinctive voice.
8. Make it dynamic.

What novels have the best opening lines or opening paragraphs?

15 of the best first lines in fiction

• Moby Dick by Herman Melville (1851)
• Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952)
• The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams (1980)
• The Outsider by Albert Camus (1942)
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963)
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (1937)