Writing Tip: Write Powerful Openings
The opening lines of a story can make or break the entire thing, and if you think that’s dramatic, I hope you’ll at least stick around. The importance of a compelling opening cannot be overstated; it is the invitation, the handshake, the moment that captivates and entices our readers to commit to our stories.
Opening pages are a lighthouse.
Readers come into our books and the worlds we’ve created, not knowing much (if anything) about where they are and what they’re about to experience. Our opening pages serve as a lighthouse while they’re entering our worlds, and we want to make sure that lighthouse is strong and bright enough to keep them safely approaching shore. We don’t want them to get lost, turn back, or worse—hit some jagged rocks and sink, before they’re even able to plant their feet on solid ground.
Obviously this is just a quick blog post, but hopefully there will be enough substance to help you get off to a strong start with your next story.
The Importance of Powerful Openings
Capturing Attention
A powerful opening captures the reader's attention from the very first word. In a world of distractions, a compelling hook is the key to drawing readers away from the noise and immersing them in the worlds we’ve created.
Establishing Tone and Atmosphere
The opening sets the tone for the entire piece. Whether it's a lighthearted comedy, a thrilling mystery, or a poignant drama, the initial lines establish the atmosphere and mood, guiding readers on what to expect.
Creating Curiosity
A well-crafted opening sparks curiosity. It raises questions, introduces mysteries, or presents enigmatic situations that compel readers to seek answers. The desire to unravel these mysteries keeps readers engaged.
Establishing Connection
The opening is our opportunity to connect with readers on an emotional level. It allows us to resonate with our audience, creating an immediate bond that keeps readers invested in the characters and the unfolding narrative.
How to Craft Powerful Openings
Start with Action or Intrigue
Begin your story with action or a moment of intrigue. Plunge readers into the midst of a captivating event or present a puzzling scenario. This immediate engagement hooks readers and encourages them to keep reading for resolution. We’ve really got the first few paragraphs to do this, but if we can pack enough in the first few lines, we’re better off. You’d be surprised how many questions you can inspire with even just one or two sentences.
Example: "I was dying all over again, darkness rushing in, as if the first time hadn’t been enough. To be fair, it hadn’t been."
Create Vivid Imagery
Paint a vivid picture with your words. Use descriptive language to evoke imagery that transports readers into the scene. Engage their senses, allowing them to visualize, hear, and feel the world you're presenting.
Example: "Elias claimed to want a new life for himself, but his old one clung to him like a thin undershirt beneath Georgia’s summer sun. As he turned onto the packed dirt path, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the rolling hills. The land itself yearned for the embrace of twilight and a reprieve from the relentless heat. Fireflies pulsed like a thousand eager hearts, beating in time to chirping cricket lullabies. As swaying fingers of summer-crisped grass reached for emerging stars, Elias inhaled the bitter scent of recently distilled moonshine. He was home. He didn’t want to be there, but somehow he always came home anyhow."
Pose a Thought-Provoking Question
Pose a question that piques readers' curiosity and compels them to seek answers. It’s not always a directly spoken/written question, but often a subconscious or implied one. This approach encourages reader engagement and invites them to reflect on the themes or scenarios presented. The example I give below is surface-level but works for the purposes of introducing the concept.
Example: “She was flesh and bone, but forgotten. Marissa tapped her toes nervously in her sneakers to avoid showing the panic on her face. It wasn’t John’s fault and it wasn’t his burden to bear; she was the one who made that stupid deal. She confirmed her information once more, and unsurprisingly, the man shook his head. They had no record of her ever having lived in this apartment even though she’d renewed her lease for another year just last week. She’d seen John every day since he started working last fall, and yet he looked on her now as though they’d never met. So, it worked, after all. Marissa nodded at the attendant, knowing it was likely the last time she’d see him, and walked back onto the street. She’d wanted a fresh start, and she’d gotten it, but she hadn’t imagined it being like this. Swiping defiantly at her tears, Marissa set her jaw. She was still here. She was still real. Even if nobody else remembered her.”
Although there are obvious questions about what happened to Marissa (What deal did she make, and how exactly did everyone forget she exists? What will she do now?) there are others just below the surface which are likely also bubbling: What would it be like to have people forget you? To have to start over, completely from scratch? What would be worth making the kind of deal that would leave you with nothing and nobody?
Introduce a Compelling Character
Intrigue readers by introducing a compelling character right from the start. Develop a character with a unique personality, a captivating backstory, or a mysterious trait that sparks curiosity about their journey.
Example: "In the bustling city, a woman clutched her suitcase full of secrets tightly to her chest as she stepped off the train. She heard the trail of whispered rumors in her wake but held her head high, ignoring the way they talked about her late husband. If they knew him like she had, they’d have done the same thing and kept their damn mouths shut."
Use Dialogue to Spark Interest
Engage readers with impactful dialogue that hints at conflict, mystery, or a pivotal moment in the story. Dialogue can be a powerful tool to convey emotion and provide a glimpse into the dynamics of the narrative.
Example: "‘You can't possibly understand what I've been through while you were gone,' she said, deep lines creasing her face. ‘You were dead!’"
Employ an Evocative Quote or Statement
Begin with a thought-provoking quote or a bold statement that encapsulates the essence of your story. This can set the thematic tone and instantly capture readers' interest.
Example: "In the heart of the city, where dreams and nightmares collided, a forgotten alley held the answer deep beneath its freshly poured pavement."
Crafting powerful openings is worth practicing. I’m still working to improve this skill myself. Capturing attention, establishing tone, creating curiosity, and fostering connection are the foundational building blocks of the rest of the story, and so much of that set up can happen from the very first page, or even the very first line.
An exercise for us all… Let’s look at our current works in progress and examine those opening pages. Do they have everything they need to grab a reader’s attention? What can we add or take out to amp up the power of those pages?
Happy writing!
Resource:
The First 50 Pages by Gerke is my go-to for crafting compelling opening chapters. Highly recommend you pick up this craft book.
