A guide to beginnings
Ah, the beginning. The moment you face that blank page and the entire story lies ahead, waiting to be unleashed. But where do you start? How do you set the tone, introduce the characters, and hook the reader, all in those precious first lines and pages?
What's in a beginning?
The beginning of a story is the literary handshake between you and your reader. It's your chance to say, 'Hey, I've got something exciting to share. Come with me!' The beginning sets the stage, introduces the characters, and, most importantly, draws the reader into the world you've crafted.
1. The hook
The hook is that dazzling opening line or paragraph that grabs the reader's attention. It's the lure, the bait, the 'look at me!' moment. How to craft that perfect hook? That's an art in itself, and we delve into it in ‘How to write a great beginning hook’.
2. Setting the scene
Now that you've caught the reader's attention, it's time to pull them into the world you've created. Describe the setting, the atmosphere, the time and place, but do it with finesse. Avoid info-dumping; weave details into the action.
3. Introducing the characters
Who's the star of the show? The beginning is where we meet the main characters, understand their motivations, and start to care about their journey. Do this with dialogue, action, and emotion, not a laundry list of traits.
4. Establishing the conflict
What's at stake? What's the problem to be solved, the goal to be achieved? Make it clear, make it compelling, and make the reader care.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Like an overeager puppy, beginnings can sometimes stumble and fall flat on their faces. Here's how to avoid the common traps:
- Don't overwhelm the reader with too much information too soon.
- Don't be too vague or cryptic.
- Avoid clichés like waking up from a dream or looking in a mirror.
When to use a prologue
Prologues can be a handy tool but use them with caution. They can provide historical context or a sneak peek into an event later in the story. But is it necessary? Does it add to the story, or is it just a fancy embellishment? Delve into more detail in this article on prologues.
Beyond the beginning
Once you've crafted a mesmerising beginning, it's time to build on it. Consider the structure of your first chapter, how you end the beginning hook, and how to transition into the meat of the story.
Just begin!
The beginning doesn't have to be perfect on the first go. It's like starting a conversation; sometimes, it takes a moment to find the rhythm. But with practice, understanding, and a sprinkle of creativity, your story's beginning will evolve into something that you and your readers will fall in love with. So take that step, write that line, and let the adventure begin!
Dive into more resources
- How to write a great beginning hook
- Excellent opening lines
- How to write a great first chapter
- 4 things to avoid when beginning a story
- How to end the beginning hook of your story
- When should you use a prologue?
