Creating an Intreging Introduction (w/ Short Stories, etc.) - Writers Forum

Rampala · 02-23-2003, 02:10 AM

I've found when writing longer prose pieces, short stories and such, that I often like to open with a quote. That is, someone speaking. A character quote. For one I think it's good because it's almost like jumping right into the action. Secondly, the reader immediately has a sense of a character they'll get to know. Thirdly, it usually leaves air of mystery about, at least the reader will have to read the first page to figure out what is going on since the action starts off right away.

However, it can get repetitive if a writer uses it too much. But moreover, I've yet to really ask anyone their opinion on the subject. It's not something we've talked about in school at all, and I can't help but wonder if it's actually a faulty technique I've grown a liking to?

I'm curious what you'd all think of this technique. What techniques do you like to use for a powerful/intreging opening? How would using a quote compare to these? Which is better in your opinion?

...just a thought?

Mazet · 02-23-2003, 03:48 PM

hm... It sounds like a interesting and possibly useful idea, but it also seems to me that good writing shouldn't need to start with a trick to get the reader to want to read more.

Spudley · 02-24-2003, 03:44 PM

I can see what you mean. I don't think it needs a quote to achieve the effect, but I can see that it would work well.

I disagree with Mazet - a piece of writing must grab the reader's attention very early if you want them to keep reading.

That doesn't mean it's a trick; it's simply an important part of the art of writing. The method you use to achieve it may involve opening with a quote, or (as I often do), opening with an event - examples I've used include a bomb going off, an announcement of a company being sold, the death of a character... I could go on...

The point is that - especially in short story, where you only have one main plotline - you start with something that immediately grabs the reader. By the end of the first few paragraphs, they should be eager to know how it ends.

Mazet · 02-24-2003, 04:16 PM

Sure, make something interesting happen a the beggining. But the desired thing should be for a reader to be reading because they enjoy the writing style, characters, plot, ect., not just becuase the story started with somehting really interesting, or started with something that the reader doesn't learn the "answer" to until the end of the story.

Rampala · 02-25-2003, 02:58 PM

No, of course not. I'm not trying to suggest tips to "trick" a reader into reading a bad piece of prose. However, any good piece of writing should have a good opening-- whether it's the exciting events or the choice of diction that keeps a reader interested, the best pieces of writing might frighten readers away with a poor introduction.

Just a discussion of good ways you personally start your pieces, suggestions, or ways you haven't tried and would suggest. Also-- ways not to start your pieces. Etc...

Chrispian · 02-25-2003, 04:36 PM

I agree, the opening is your chance to "sell" yourself to the reader. It's often what they will use to judge if they will read it or not. Just like a Job Interview, you have a limited window to make a connection with your audience so you need to make the best of it.

Death_and_her_Cat · 03-06-2003, 12:14 PM

I have not really written that much but from my amateur opinion I think it is all to do with how you want to write your story. I more often choose to describe a sceen like an introduction then start the story or meld the intro with the beginning.

But if you want to hook your reader right away and leave them guessing then rushing straight into the story is a good thing. New more impatient readers will want an active beginning that grabs their attention quickly but the morem addicted or mature readers like myself can get past the boring begginning to get to the proper story. Partly it depends on what kind of audience or age group you are writing for.

Well that is at least my thoughts, whether others agree with me or not I do not know. TTFn, hope this helps.

Anonymous · 03-13-2003, 03:59 PM

I don't think the beginning should rely too heavily on who you want to read the story. Take a look at J. K. Rowling's books. They are "children's books", but I'm eagerly awaiting the newest book just like any other Harry Potter fan.

The beginning of the story doesn't necessarily have to fit the audience. The beginning should fit the story. Not to mention the author's personal style of writing.

I think that sometimes it's good to begin with a quote. It brings the story immediately into action. But, yes, if you continue to start *every* chapter with a quote, it will get monotonous.

A good beginning isn't a "trick". It's simply a good beginning. And without something that immediately intruigues the reader, something that makes them want to continue reading, why should they continue? The same can be said for movies. If the first scene doesn't "hook" you, why wait around for the end?

A person could have excellent writing skills, plot development and etc, but if they don't have an audience, they aren't selling books!

But, back to the original question/point. Some openings repeat for emphasis. Take the Star Wars movies. They all begin "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away". And seeing those words on the screen can give you goosebumps! Robert Jordan begins his books similarly as well: The Wheel of Time turns and ages come and pass...

Huckleberry Finn started by saying "You don't know about me, 'cept you've read a book..."

I think the key is finding the right beginning for that specific piece.

False Dawn · 04-18-2003, 06:00 PM

Personally, I don't start my pieces with character quotes. It is something I seem to have grown out of (I don't know why). I think it does greatly depend on what it is you are writing - who are the main characters, what is your end goal, etc., but there is more to it than that. I find character quotes to be not as strong as perhaps narration from the start. I cannot actually think of many books that do open with a character saying something, except possibly books aimed at children (is there a link there perhaps?).

As Chrispian pointed out above, the beginning is very important, and you really have to sell the book in it. If the beginning is too slow or too confusing, then the reader will not want to carry on reading, whereas if your opening has an added punch to grab the reader and pull him into your plot by the ear, he won't want to put the book down.

I'll try to provide an example. My latest short story opens with the following paragraph:

Quote:

And from the darkness, the fire was reborn. Rising, rising, into the air, making the midnight black flare. Hope, hope, hope, hope. Hope for a better future. The day had now come. Judgement is now upon us...

That, for me, is probably one of the best beginnings I have ever woven into a story. It has a certain tense feel to it, and an almost poetic phrasing too. It is an odd opening, I must admit, but it suits my theme perfectly. The opening line sounds almost Biblical by nature (which is a good link to the apocalyptic theme of the story).

But, I think, if I read that on the first page of a book, I would want to carry on, because it draws you into the story. This is the main reason for a beginning. Others may say that background must happen in the beginning. Nah-ah. Not at all. Background can easily be woven in throughout the story, through speech or narrative methods. The main reason for the beginning is to grab the reader's attention and introduce them to the plot and theme in the most exciting manner possible.

I hope that helps. I don't write by that as gospel myself, but I find my works naturally turn out with a strong beginning because it's what, as a reader, I would like to see in a book.

free_mind_7 · 06-08-2003, 03:44 PM

from a student point of view i know where you might feel the need for something interesting at the beginning. teachers are always pushing for some great opening sentence. dont let their demands influence your real writing, because, in my opinion, english teachers are writiers who couldnt cut it. sorry if i stepped on anyones toes but my experience with english teachers has been nothing but futile. their are incessantly un-inspiring and nothing but morons in the way they try to force feed student with heir thoughts on what a writer was thinking or why they wrote in such ways. so to come back to the topic i was replying to, if you personally liek that style of opening then use it occasionally. but dont use it because u feel the need to start in the middle of the best part of your story. make the reader earn the right to ingest the good stuff, by readign through and understanding the rest of the building parts of your work. just my .02

-FM7

cdm · 06-08-2003, 04:55 PM

Write what works for the story you're writing. All you have to achieve in the opening paragraph is a desire in the reader to read the second paragraph. If a quote will do that, go for it. If an action will work, that's your opening. If a description works, you've found your opening.
I've started stories with: "What was that?!" Gladys asked of no one. The rumbling, shaking sound drew and faded as she shakily moved toward the door.
: The engine died. Great, and HERE, of all places!
: The strange being strode across the silent glistening meadow toward the silvery ribbon of the Rio Plata. There was both purpose and hesitation in it's steps.

Sometimes a mood will do: The silence crashed in on me as I pushed the warped panel of the resisting door. Even the crickets ceased their infernal chirping.

In other words, use whatever works, and don't get tied into a formula.

DragonReborn · 06-12-2003, 11:49 PM

Hmmm...waaaaayyy back with what mazet said...In my opinion, you need to grab the reader and pull him in. Once he is lured into your world, he will never want to leave. He should absorb the place. Also, if you truly want a publisher to look at your works, you must catch their attention. If they are bored, they won't be as interested.

Csira · 06-13-2003, 03:39 PM

I agree with most have said, or a combination. The introduction to any story or novel is very important. It has to captivate the audience, but there should be no technique. The way you present the introduction should depend on what you are presenting and what mood you want to set. Personally, all my chapters start differently. I hate using the same technique over again, because it would be repetitive and would not draw the readers' attention. Anyways, I think the introduction does not have to be truly "spectacular" but good enough to convey your goals and to attract an audience (make them think and feel).

Anonymous · 06-18-2003, 03:33 AM

I've just joined this board, and this is one of my first posts to read. All I can say is that I am impressed that none of you jumped on "Intriguing" so it's nice to see that.......
I've always thought any way you can hook your reader on the first page is something you would be wise to do.........

Whende · 08-30-2005, 06:44 PM

I read a really good book once, but the only reason I read it was because the beginning didn't bore me to death. Also, if your going to hook the reader, keep them hooked. Don't open really well, but then make the first half the story really dull. Readers can still put the book down after the first few pages. Trust me, I've done it.

I personally jump into the story a little bit and then back track to explain. Don't explain it all at once. Work it into the story through dialog or a persons thoughts and feelings. It's a good idea to use dialog at the beginning, but don't do it all the time.

Try to get used to other methods. About hooking your reader into the next chapter, the simple think to do is end the last one with a cliffhanger.