Good opening lines get the reader’s attention and make them want to read on. That’s why you need to get it right when you’re writing a book or a blog post.
If you’re a new writer, you might be wondering how to start your work of fiction or essay. Look to some of these famous openings as inspiration for how you can craft an effective one yourself.
1. Begin with a Strange Detail
There’s nothing like a startling, intriguing detail to immediately capture a reader’s attention. The clocks striking thirteen is a good example, because it creates a sense of danger and mystery that propels the story forward.
Another good starting line is to use a theme. This works well with a supernatural or horror novel, for example, where the main character’s appearance may change or disappear without warning. It also works in a crime novel, where the protagonist is being questioned by authorities about his activities. This could be a metaphor for something else, or it could simply be an unanswered question that will need to be explored further later on in the book.
2. Begin with a Polar Opposites
Polar opposites are a great way to introduce young children to the concept of contrast. For example, a polar bear from the Arctic and an Antarctic penguin from down south are both the opposite of one another, but they still make a lot of sense together!
This cute book features a polar bear and penguin that are the equal of their respective counterparts, and it helps kids understand that being opposite doesn’t mean they can’t be good friends. It’s a clever story that will be a hit with kids of all ages. The illustrations are fun and colorful, and the text is clear enough for even young readers to follow.
3. Begin with a Theme
A theme is the main idea that drives a story. It can be made explicit, like in a business letter or technical article, or implicit, as in short stories and novels.
A good theme helps readers see the deeper meaning behind the story and why it was written in the first place. It also serves as a guide for how the writer wants the plot to unfold and how they want their main character to learn the lesson the story is trying to convey.
Themes don’t have to be grafted on to a story, but they should emerge naturally from the writing process. They’ll show up in the characters’ actions and relationships, and in the literary elements that help your readers make sense of your story.
4. Begin with a Bold Statement
A bold statement is one of the best ways to grab your reader’s attention and make them want to listen. It shows that you’re not apprehensive about your essay and are confident in the topics you’re discussing.
This strategy is particularly effective when students have a clear thesis that they can back up with a strong argument. Bold statements can be used at the beginning of an essay, but they should be supported by supporting arguments and examples in order to stay true to your claim.
Another technique is to begin an essay by quoting an authority or well-known figure on the topic. Students should select a quote that reflects the subject of the essay and is relevant to their thesis.
5. Begin with a Question
Whether you’re looking for a reply or a meeting, a question is an effective way to start an email. It also helps the reader understand your purpose and makes them more willing to respond.
You can also begin with a reminder. If you need to confirm an appointment or a meeting, use this technique as a way to reaffirm what was discussed and make sure everyone is on the same page.
When writing a question, keep in mind that it needs to be informative and concise. It should describe the problem you’re trying to solve, and it should include any background information that will help someone understand it better.
6. Begin with a Reminder
A reminder email is an important part of a marketing strategy. It’s a great way to encourage engagement and build FOMO by getting people to action faster.
You need to balance the need for urgency with a polite tone when crafting these emails. The best ones start on a positive note and then get straight to the point about what needs to happen next.
Reminders can be tricky to write, but they’re a great opportunity to create an engaging opening line. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some great examples and some best practices to guide you along.