Starting your story with a strong concept is crucial for capturing your readers' attention and drawing them into your narrative. Here are some tips on how to start your story with a strong concept, along with a great example:
- Start with a question:
Pose a question to your readers that will pique their curiosity and make them want to know more. For example, "What would you do if you woke up one day and found yourself in a different body?"
- Begin with a striking image:
Use vivid imagery to create a powerful opening scene that will stick in your readers' minds. For example, "The sun was setting over the deserted city, casting long shadows across the abandoned buildings and sending a chill down my spine."
- Use a surprising or unexpected opening line:
Start your story with a line that will surprise or intrigue your readers. For example, "I never believed in ghosts until the day I saw one in my own bedroom."
- Start with an action scene:
Begin your story with an exciting action scene that will immediately draw your readers in. For example, "I was running for my life through the dark, twisting alleys of the old city, my heart pounding in my chest as I heard the sound of footsteps closing in behind me."
- Create a unique premise:
Develop a unique premise that will immediately capture your readers' attention. For example, "In a world where everyone has a superpower, one girl is born without any powers at all."
A great example of starting a story with a strong concept can be found in the opening lines of George Orwell's classic novel, "1984":
It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen. Winston Smith, his chin nuzzled into his breast in an effort to escape the vile wind, slipped quickly through the glass doors of Victory Mansions, though not quickly enough to prevent a swirl of gritty dust from entering along with him.
In just two sentences, Orwell sets the tone for his dystopian world, with its strange and unsettling details like the clocks striking thirteen and the gritty dust. He also introduces his protagonist, Winston Smith, and gives us a glimpse of his struggle against the oppressive government. By starting with a strong concept, Orwell draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of the story.