creative opening sentences for essays

36 Engaging opening sentences for an essay

Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

An essay’s opening sentence has a tremendous impact on the reader. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing an argumentative essay, a personal narrative, or a research paper; how your text begins will affect its tone and topic. You can write about anything as long as it is relevant to your thesis—starting with an engaging opening sentence may be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful essay.

An introduction is the first section of any paper that allows you to introduce your thesis and provide an overview of your argument or discussion. A good introduction should grab your audience’s attention and entice them to read on, summarising what you’re trying to say concisely. It’s a good idea to think of your introduction as a hook, writing an opening sentence that will leave your reader wanting more.

Writing a thesis statement is the first thing you need to do when planning your paper. Although there are multiple strategies for creating a thesis statement, you must express yourself clearly and answer three simple questions: What is the main idea of my essay? Why is it important? How do I plan to prove it in a paper?

There are countless ways to begin an essay or a thesis effectively. As a start, here are 36 introductory strategies accompanied by examples from a wide range of professional writers.

1. “Is it possible to be truly anonymous online?”

This is an engaging opening sentence because it immediately poses a problem that the reader will likely want answered. It’s also interesting that this question applies directly to internet usage, something everybody has experience with. The subject of the opening sentence is “online anonymity,” which allows the writer to discuss two related concepts.

2. “I was shocked to awake one morning to find I had turned into a snail.”

The opening sentence immediately grabs the reader’s attention with its play on words, leaving them unsure if it’s meant as a joke. It continues to entertain by combining an unlikely image (a person turning into a snail) with waking up more common. The sentence also establishes the essay’s tone, which is humorous and personal.

3. “I didn’t want to study abroad.”

This opening sentence immediately intrigues the reader because it presents an opinion that contradicts what would be expected in this type of assignment. The writer then follows with a statement about their decision to study abroad, discussing the reasons for this choice and explaining their position on the matter.

4. “The three dogs had been barking for over an hour before my neighbor finally came out to investigate.”

This opening sentence introduces a narrative about something that happened in the past, starting with dogs barking at night. The next sentence provides background information by revealing that the neighbor came out after an hour and then reasons for this delay. The fact that the writer does not reveal why this is significant until later on makes the opening sentence even more effective because it keeps the reader engaged with what will happen next.

5. “I have always been interested in fashion.”

This opening sentence immediately sets the topic for the entire paper by discussing interest in fashion. It also establishes the tone, clearly portraying the writer’s voice while informing the audience about their personal experience with the subject matter.

6. “I remember when I first realized I didn’t have a home.”

This opening sentence begins a personal narrative about a time before moving out of their family home when the writer realized they didn’t live there anymore. It uses flashbacks to set up the rest of the essay by showing what happened before they moved out and how this made them feel.

7. “When I was in middle school, my dad told me not to get into fights.”

This opening sentence establishes a relationship between the writer and the subject of their essay, creating a more personal tone. It also establishes an expectation for what will be discussed by telling something that happened in the past. The sentence ends with a twist, so it’s more interesting than just stating something that was told to them, making this opening sentence effective.

8. “When I first sat down to write this essay, I was absolutely certain of the thesis.”

This opening sentence immediately introduces conflict because it tells about something that didn’t occur as expected. It also implies that there will be an alternate solution or angle for this paper that will be explored in the following paragraphs. The vocabulary (like “absolutely”) suggests more certainty in this opening paragraph than presented, making it interesting to read.

9. “I remember the first time I killed a man.”

This opening sentence offers an unexpected statement that intrigues the reader and immediately draws them into the essay, wanting to know more about what happened. This type of sentence is called a gripping opener because it does just that. The sentence is also effective because it creates suspense and anticipation in the reader’s mind about what will happen next in this story .

10. “There are two sides to every story: my side and your side.”

This opening sentence introduces a topic that will be revisited multiple times throughout the essay, making it effective for an introduction. It also creates a sense of mystery about the two sides and how they relate to each other, which will be resolved later on once it becomes clear that there are three sides.

11. “I should start this essay by introducing myself.”

This opening sentence includes an explanation for why this paragraph is being written (to introduce oneself) before it ends with a question (“who am I?”). This is effective because it gets the reader to think critically about who the writer is and what they want to say. It also permits them to stop reading after this sentence if they don’t feel like it, making it one of the less intimidating opening sentences.

12. “At the age of seven, I knew my life was going to be amazing.”

This opening sentence establishes a confident, optimistic tone by mentioning something that happened in the past. It also implies that the writer had this positive outlook before anything particularly special happened to them yet, which will likely be mentioned later on, making it more interesting to read.

13. “I don’t know when I lost my sense of excitement for learning.”

This opening sentence presents a conflict that the writer will likely try to resolve in this essay, which gives the reader something to look forward to. It also establishes voice by expressing how they feel about their education so far and suggesting what could be done about it.

14. “Coming home after a long day of school and work is like walking into a warzone.”

This opening sentence creates a sense of conflict that will likely be discussed later on and establishes voice because it shows the writer’s attitude towards their environment. It provides an example of why this subject has been brought up by describing what happens during this “warzone” of a day.

15. “I’ve always loved school.”

This opening sentence is effective because it provides an example of how their life used to be before the issue was introduced (in the next few sentences), making it more interesting to read. It also creates a sense of nostalgia about how good things used to be, making it more engaging.

16. “I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

This opening sentence is effective because it creates a voice by describing the writer’s experience and establishes conflict, so the reader knows what to expect in this essay. It provokes an emotional response in the reader, making them more interested.

17. “On day two of our honeymoon, my wife passed out.”

This opening sentence creates suspense by mentioning what happens before revealing why this is significant. It also establishes conflict because it implies that the writer’s wife’s health will be an issue throughout the essay. This leads to a likely discussion about whether or not they should continue their honeymoon, making it engaging for the reader.

18. “I’m a college student, and I hate it.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict for the rest of the essay because it implies that something negatively affects their education. It also establishes voice by showing what they think about being a student and how they feel about college so far, which makes it more interesting to read.

19. “The first time I heard the word ‘stan’ was when Eminem released his song in 2000 by the same name.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict for what will likely be discussed later on and also creates a sense of nostalgia because it takes the reader back to a significant point in recent history that they might remember (rare for essays). It also establishes voice because it shows the writer’s knowledge about rap music.

20. “I used to hate when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up because I never knew how to answer them.”

This opening sentence helps the reader understand why this essay was written to tie into their own experiences. It also establishes conflict by revealing something that the writer used to be troubled by. It also makes them seem relatable because everyone has problems with their future at one point or another.

21. “All my life, I’ve been told I was destined for greatness.”

This opening sentence establishes that the writer had difficulties in their life despite being seen as destined for greatness so far. It also creates a sense of conflict because it implies that they will have to convince the reader otherwise, making it more interesting to read.

22. “My friend once told me that I should never say ‘I’m just being honest when discussing our differences, but I always do.”

This opening sentence creates conflict by showing the reader that there is always tension between the writer and their friend because of this issue. It also establishes voice because it shows how honest they are about their differences, which makes them more relatable. This makes it engaging for the reader to read on.

23. “I’ve never been one to keep my emotions bottled up, and now that I’m pregnant, that’s been amplified.”

This opening sentence establishes emotion from the writer because it shows that they are uncomfortable keeping their emotions to themselves and continue to do so even when they become pregnant. It also creates a sense of conflict because the reader will probably wonder how this lack of emotional inhibition might affect them later on.

24. “The first time I read ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ it changed my life.”

This opening sentence grabs the reader’s attention and shows what impact this book has had on the writer so far. It also establishes how passionate the writer is towards literature and makes them more relatable because many people have been affected by great works of literature in some way. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

25. “As I walked out of class one day, my professor asked me what I wanted to do with my future.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict by showing that there was a time when the writer did not have an answer to this question despite being capable of doing anything in their mind. It also establishes voice by showing that the writer can stand up for themselves when pushed and makes them seem more relatable because everyone struggles with thinking about their future at some point or another. This is engaging for the reader to continue reading.

26. “I’ve always been taught that it’s impolite to talk about money, but I want to share my experience with you.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing that the writer does not abide by this code of conduct because they believe it’s more important to be open and honest. It also creates a sense of conflict so that the reader might have their own contrasting opinions, which will create tension while reading. This is engaging for the reader to continue reading.

27. “Growing up, I never liked math, and it wasn’t until college that I realized why.”

This opening sentence establishes voice because it shows how passionate the writer was about their dislike of math despite not knowing why. It also creates conflict because they will have to explain their reasoning to the reader, which makes it more interesting to read, and it is engaging for the reader to read on.

28. “There are so many factors that go into determining how much someone should be paid, but I believe that everyone deserves equal pay.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict because the writer believes in something that not many people support, and they will have to explain their reasoning. It also establishes voice because it shows that the writer is passionate about this belief and makes them more relatable for other people who share the same opinion. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

29. “Many things have been said about Millennials, but no one has asked us what we think.”

This opening sentence creates a sense of conflict because the reader might be wondering what this person thinks as a Millennial. It also establishes voice by using “us” to show that they are not alone in their beliefs and makes them seem more relatable. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

30. “I finally found a job that I love, and as it turns out, it’s located in a city that has been my dream destination since I was little.”

This opening sentence establishes voice because it shows how the writer feels about their new job and makes them sound passionate about their work which makes the reader want to read on. This is engaging for the reader to continue.

31. “It was the summer of 2001 when I first came across an anime dubbed in French.”

This opening sentence establishes voice through personal experience and makes it relatable because many people have watched their favorite movies or shows in another language. It also creates a sense of conflict by making the reader wonder why they continued watching even though they didn’t understand much of what was being said. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

32. “For years, I thought my life was perfect, until one day when I realized that there’s nothing more important than your mental health.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing that the writer used to have this belief but then had a heart change, making them more relatable because everyone’s beliefs change over time. It also creates a sense of conflict by questioning what the reader believes about their mental health, which will make them want to continue reading. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

33. “As children, it’s easy to dream about becoming an astronaut or a firefighter, but I never imagined that my greatest passion would be writing.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing how the writer is passionate about what they are currently doing. It also creates a sense of conflict because the reader may have different interests, making it more interesting to read. This is engaging for the reader to continue reading on.

34. “If you would’ve asked me a few months ago, I wouldn’t have said that my life was perfect. However, after some time and perspective, I’m grateful for the twists and turns.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing how this person’s perspective has changed over time. It also creates a sense of conflict because it questions what the reader thinks and makes them want to read on. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

35. “Everyone has goals in life, whether it’s saving up enough money to buy a house or finally writing that book.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict because it questions the reader’s goals and shows how they may be different from the writer’s. It also creates a sense of connection because many people share the same goals and make them want to keep reading. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

36. “I’m not sure if I’ve ever told you this, but my favorite show as a child was A Little Princess.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing that the writer shares a secret and makes them sound like they’re talking directly to someone. It also creates a sense of conflict because it’s difficult to imagine that the reader doesn’t know this information and makes them want to read on. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

Final Words

To conclude, there are countless ways to begin an essay or a thesis effectively. These 36 opening sentences for an essay are just a few examples of how to do so. There is no “right way” to start, but it will become easier to find your voice and style as you continue writing and practicing. Good luck!

Harvard University

Purdue University

Royal Literary Fund- Essay Writing Guide

University of Melbourne

Amherst College

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Should i go back to school reasons the answer might be yes, survey reveals high cost of course materials stops students from success, hooked from the start: the most creative, weird, and catchy opening lines in student essays.

Writer’s block is no joke! Especially when you’re thinking about engaging your reader as much as possible, if you’re writing an admission essay or any other important paper. Some students decide to take an unusual approach and come up with the most bizarre (though eye-catching) intros for their essays.

Key Takeaways:

A strong opening line is crucial for engaging readers and setting the tone for an essay.
Students can use creative, weird, or catchy lines to make their essays stand out and draw readers into the topic.
Quirky beginnings add personality and memorability to essays, making them more enjoyable to read.

A strong opening line in an essay is like a good first impression—it sets the tone and engages the reader right from the start. It’s crucial because it can determine whether the reader will be interested in continuing to read or not. A compelling opening line grabs the reader’s attention and makes them curious about what comes next.

Students use various approaches to create effective opening lines. Some opt for creative and original sentences that showcase their unique perspective. Others prefer weird or unexpected lines that surprise the reader and make the essay stand out. Then there are those who choose catchy and compelling lines that immediately hook the reader with their relevance or intrigue. One of the users on Reddit decided to engage with the community and gather all sorts of unusual intros from school and college essays.

drop it like dartmouth in rankings 😍😍😍 by u/Acceptable_Young_133 in ApplyingToCollege

Each approach has its own way of drawing the reader into the essay’s topic or argument. The key is to find the right balance between being engaging and staying true to the essay’s content. By experimenting with different styles, students can discover what works best for their writing and ensure that their essays make a strong and lasting impression. However, let’s look at what people submitted under the dedicated Reddit thread.

Should You Use Quirky Beginnings in Essays?

Quirky beginnings in essays have a unique way of engaging readers. They stand out because they are different from the usual opening lines, and this unexpectedness can immediately capture the reader’s attention. When an essay starts with something unusual or humorous, it sets a memorable tone for the rest of the piece.

“He is dressed as Santa Claus on the outside, but inside he is already dead”

“I want to let you in on a little secret: I used to be a spy.”

“The answer, of course, was found where all the brilliant solutions are. In a cartoon. “

These unconventional starts can also make the essay more enjoyable to read. They add a touch of personality and creativity, showing that the writer is willing to take risks and think outside the box. As a result, the reader is more likely to remember the essay and the points it makes.

“Unlike other bookshelves, the contents of my car are not color-coded or alphabetized.”

“Me and Henry Cavill are basically the same person”

“…bags of potato chips taught me the value of diligence.”

Overall, quirky beginnings can be a powerful tool for making an essay memorable. By starting with something unexpected, writers can create a strong and lasting impression on their readers.

The Effectiveness of Catchy and Compelling Openers

Catchy and compelling openers are crucial in drawing readers into an essay’s topic or argument . These opening lines are designed to be both attention-grabbing and relevant to the essay’s content. By starting with a strong statement, a thought-provoking question, or an intriguing fact, these openers create a sense of curiosity in the reader.

“ SOME SUPPLEMENTAL I WROTE STARTED WITH LIKE “What the mouth won’t say, your face always will.” wrote about how micro expressions helped me win a poker game “

““The <high school name> prides itself as the most academically challenging school in <hoem country>,” states my school’s homepage. Though “most academically challenging” is impossible to ascertain, one thing is certain: back pain is endemic.”

This curiosity encourages readers to continue reading to find out more about the topic or to understand the argument being presented. A well-crafted opener can also set the tone for the entire essay, indicating whether it will be serious, humorous, or informative.

“‘I want to be a dinosaur’, I responded” Lol this was for Brown’s open curriculum supp. This was my childhood response to the “what do u wanna be when u grow up” question, and I thought I could use this as an intro to showcase how I have been fascinated about the most random shit since i was literally 4.”

“?????? ??????? ?????” I started with special characters not allowed on CommonApp, used my essay to explain why these kinds of restraints are bad, and slowly decoded the message. “

In essence, catchy and compelling openers act as a hook that pulls the reader into the essay. They make the reader eager to explore the ideas that follow and engage with the writer’s perspective . This initial engagement is crucial for keeping the reader interested throughout the essay and ensuring that the message is effectively communicated.

Crafting an Engaging Opening Line for Essays

Creating an engaging opening line for your essay is essential to draw in your readers from the start. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling opener:

Firstly, ensure your opening line is relevant to your essay’s topic. It should provide a hint of what the essay is about without giving away too much. This relevance creates a connection between the opener and the rest of the essay, making it easier for readers to follow your argument.

For example, if your essay is about the impact of social media on society, you could start with, “In today’s digital age, social media has transformed the way we connect and communicate.”

Clarity is also crucial. Your opening line should be easy to understand, setting a clear direction for the essay. Avoid using complex language or overly complicated ideas in the first sentence. Instead, aim for a simple yet powerful statement that grabs attention.

A clear opener could be, “Water scarcity is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today.”

Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative. Use your imagination to come up with an opener that stands out. This could be a surprising fact, a rhetorical question, or a vivid image. Creativity in your opening line can make your essay memorable and engaging.

For instance, you might begin with a rhetorical question like, “What if you could relive one day of your life?”

By focusing on relevance, clarity, and creativity, you can craft an opening line that effectively draws readers into your essay and sets the stage for a compelling argument.

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30+ Examples to Write a Strong Opening Sentence

Examples to Write a Strong Opening Sentence

Are you ready for some opening sentence examples that truly pack a punch? Well, buckle up because I’ve got 30 powerful ones for you! These sentences are designed to grab your attention from the get-go and leave you wanting more. So, let’s dive in and explore the art of crafting impactful opening lines.

“In a world full of chaos, she emerged as a beacon of hope.”

“The sound of thunder echoed through the deserted streets, setting the stage for an epic battle.”

“With a single stroke of the brush, he brought the canvas to life, captivating all who beheld his masterpiece.”

“In the heart of the city, a secret waited to be unveiled.”

“The sun kissed the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of colors.”

“As the clock struck midnight, a new chapter began, filled with endless possibilities.”

“In the depths of darkness, a flicker of light ignited a revolution.”

“She stepped onto the stage, her voice commanding attention and stirring souls.”

“The wind whispered secrets as it danced through the ancient trees.”

“He stood at the crossroads of fate, torn between two worlds.”

“In the realm of dreams, reality took on a whole new meaning.”

“The scent of adventure hung in the air, beckoning them to embark on a journey of a lifetime.”

“Amidst the chaos, a single word held the power to change everything.”

“The first rays of dawn painted the world with a promise of new beginnings.”

“In the depths of despair, a glimmer of hope emerged, refusing to be extinguished.”

“Her laughter echoed through the room, contagious and full of life.”

“The stars twinkled in the night sky, revealing the secrets of the universe.”

“In a sea of faces, his stood out like a beacon, drawing you closer with every glance.”

“The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, awakening the senses and fueling creativity.”

“A single photograph captured a lifetime of memories, frozen in time.”

“The silence was deafening, pregnant with anticipation.”

“She held the key to a mystery that had baffled the world for centuries.”

“The sound of crashing waves created a symphony of serenity.”

“In a world where words failed, music spoke volumes.”

“He gazed into the abyss, ready to confront his deepest fears.”

“The city skyline sparkled like a jewel, enticing dreamers to chase their ambitions.”

“A storm brewed on the horizon, foreshadowing a battle of epic proportions.”

“Her gaze pierced through the crowd, commanding attention and leaving a trail of admirers.”

“The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, evoking memories of warmth and comfort.”

“In the realm of imagination, the boundaries of reality blurred, allowing dreams to take flight.”

There you have it! Thirty opening sentence examples that are sure to make an impact. Whether you’re writing a story, an article, or simply looking to captivate your audience, these sentences will set the stage for an engaging and memorable experience. Happy writing!

First sentence examples

Are you looking for some opening sentence examples to kick-start your writing? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve curated a collection of powerful first sentences that are sure to grab your readers’ attention from the very beginning. So, let’s dive into these opening sentence examples and inspire your next literary masterpiece.

“In the heart of the enchanted forest, a secret whispered among the ancient trees.”

“As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness enveloped the city, revealing its hidden secrets.”

“The piercing scream echoed through the empty halls, shattering the silence of the night.”

“With a single step, he entered a world where dreams and reality intertwined.”

“Amidst the hustle and bustle of the bustling city, a lone figure stood, lost in contemplation.”

“The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, awakening her senses and sparking her creativity.”

“As the waves crashed against the shore, a sense of serenity washed over her, bringing clarity to her thoughts.”

“In the realm of imagination, possibilities knew no bounds, inviting dreamers to explore uncharted territories.”

“The distant howl of the wolf sent chills down their spines, as they ventured deeper into the forbidden forest.”

“As the clock struck midnight, the doors of the old mansion creaked open, revealing a world of mystery and intrigue.”

“She took a deep breath, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, determined to carve her own path.”

“The thunderous applause filled the theater, as the curtains rose, unveiling a stage set for a grand performance.”

“In the labyrinthine corridors of the ancient library, a dusty tome held the key to unlocking forgotten knowledge.”

“The rain poured relentlessly, creating a symphony on the rooftop, a soundtrack to her melancholic thoughts.”

“Under the starlit sky, two souls met, their hearts intertwining in a dance of fate.”

“The flickering streetlights cast eerie shadows on the deserted alley, a place where secrets whispered in the darkness.”

“With the first stroke of the paintbrush, a blank canvas transformed into a masterpiece, capturing emotions beyond words.”

“In the realm of possibilities, he dared to dream the impossible, chasing his ambitions with unwavering determination.”

“The ancient artifact glimmered under the dim light, holding the secrets of a lost civilization.”

There you have it, a collection of opening sentence examples to ignite your writing journey. Use these sentences as inspiration to captivate your readers, spark their curiosity, and set the tone for an engaging narrative. Happy writing!

What to keep in mind

When crafting opening sentence examples , there are a few key things to keep in mind. These considerations will help you create impactful and captivating beginnings that draw readers in from the start. So, let’s explore what you should keep in mind when working on those opening lines.

Hook your readers: The opening sentence should immediately grab your readers’ attention and make them curious to read further. Consider using intriguing words or posing thought-provoking questions to engage their interest.

Set the tone: The first sentence sets the tone for your entire piece. Think about the mood, atmosphere, or emotion you want to convey and choose words that align with your desired tone.

Create intrigue: A compelling opening should pique readers’ curiosity and make them eager to uncover more. Drop hints, introduce a mystery, or offer a glimpse of something unusual or unexpected to leave readers wanting to know more.

Be concise and impactful: Keep your opening sentence concise and to the point. Use powerful and evocative words to make an immediate impact on your readers.

Establish the setting or context: Consider providing a brief description or establishing the setting to help readers visualize the world you’re introducing. This can help ground them in the story and create a sense of place.

Foreshadow or tease: Use your opening sentence to hint at themes, conflicts, or important elements that will be explored throughout your piece. This creates anticipation and anticipation for what’s to come.

Be original: Avoid clichés and overused openings. Aim for a fresh and unique approach that distinguishes your writing and captures readers’ attention.

Connect with emotions: Appeal to readers’ emotions by evoking strong feelings or creating a relatable situation. This emotional connection can help draw readers in and keep them engaged.

Consider your genre or purpose: Tailor your opening sentence to the genre or purpose of your writing. Whether it’s a thriller, romance, or informational piece, aligning the opening with the expectations of the genre can help captivate your intended audience.

Revise and refine: Crafting a compelling opening sentence may take some revision and refinement. Experiment with different options, seek feedback, and fine-tune your opening to make it as impactful as possible.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can create opening sentence examples that captivate readers, set the stage for your writing, and leave a lasting impression. So, go ahead and start your piece with a bang!

Final thoughts

In conclusion, crafting powerful opening sentence examples is a crucial skill that can make a significant difference in capturing readers’ attention and setting the tone for your writing. The opening sentence serves as the gateway to your piece, inviting readers to embark on a journey with you. By hooking your readers, creating intrigue, setting the right tone, and engaging their emotions, you can make a lasting impact from the very beginning.

Remember to be concise yet impactful, using evocative language to make your opening sentence stand out. It’s essential to consider the genre or purpose of your writing and tailor the opening to meet the expectations of your intended audience. By doing so, you can effectively connect with readers and draw them further into your narrative.

Additionally, originality is key. Avoid falling into clichés or overused openings, instead opting for fresh and unique approaches that will captivate readers’ attention. Take the time to revise and refine your opening sentence, experimenting with different options until you find the perfect combination of words to make it truly powerful.

So, whether you’re starting a novel, an article, or a short story, give careful thought to your opening sentence. Make it compelling, thought-provoking, and full of promise. By doing so, you’ll captivate your readers, ignite their curiosity, and set the stage for an engaging and memorable reading experience.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how do i choose a strong opening sentence for my college essay.

I want to make sure my college essay starts off strong and grabs the reader's attention. How do I come up with a captivating opening sentence? Any tips or examples would be greatly appreciated!

Great question! A strong opening sentence is indeed crucial to grabbing the reader's attention and setting the stage for your college essay. To create an impactful opening sentence, consider beginning with a story, a question, or a statement that generates curiosity.

One strategy is to start with an anecdote that highlights an experience related to the subject you plan to discuss. By doing this, you'll immerse the reader in your narrative. For example:

'As I plunged into the icy water, I realized how important it was to push my boundaries and face my fears.'

Alternatively, you could open with a question to engage the reader and set the tone for the essay. For instance:

'What does it take to turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure?'

Another approach involves using a thought-provoking statement that piques the reader's interest:

'If I were ever asked to describe myself in one word, it wouldn't be one word at all: it'd be a mathematical constant.'

Remember to be authentic and creative with your opening sentence. Good luck with your college essay!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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How well are you managing to hook your readers?

According to CNN , The average attention on a screen went down from 2.5 minutes (in 2004) to 47 seconds (in 2023). Studies show that for most cases, people don't even read past the headline.

As a writer, one of the best skills you can learn is to hook your readers with a compelling introduction. A good title gets people in the door, but it’s the introduction that decides if they stay or not.

The difference between a strong and a weak intro

A strong intro draws the reader in and evokes a sense of curiosity or interest, either by speaking to the reader’s pain points or by engaging them on an intellectual or emotional level.

A weak introduction paragraph, on the other hand, does the exact opposite. It fails to delight or intrigue, usually by being too generic. (This is one reason why introductions generated using text transformers like ChatGPT tend to “fall flat.”) Incidentally, failing to keep your readers on-page will result in higher bounce rates, which Google penalizes.

Have I convinced you to stick around? If so, great. In the rest of the article, we’ll go over the most important dos and don’ts of intros and look at some outstanding introduction paragraph examples for inspiration.

The Dos and Don’ts of Strong Introductions

Here are some quick and simple tips for writing a compelling introduction .

✅ Do be human and relatable

Talk about a personal experience. Mention emotions like frustration or excitement. Utilize Use plain, conversational language.

✅ Do capture the reader's attention with an interesting or meaningful quote or statistic.

Just be sure to avoid clichés, keep it relevant to your topic, and don’t get too abstract.

✅ Do write concisely and clearly .

If you struggle with this like many people, try writing your introduction in the Wordtune editor. The suggestions on flow and clarity will help you stick to the point without being hard to understand.

✅ Do disarm, startle, or otherwise “shock” the reader into alertness.

This doesn’t mean being crass or crude, it means upending assumptions. What surprised you most when researching or writing your article? Start there.

✅ Do use descriptive , emotive, and sensory language, including vivid imagery and great storytelling .

Start in the middle of the story, then segue into how it all started. Or start at the end and work your way back.

✅ Do use humor and casual language.

It helps put the reader at ease and makes them feel like part of the conversation.

And here are some things to avoid, including some not-so-great introductory paragraph examples. Don’t worry, we’ll get to examples of how to do it right in the next section.

❌ Don’t rely on AI text generators like ChatGPT.

These tools “write” by adding the next most likely word, based on thousands of examples. As a result, the text lacks originality. It is, by definition, the most average way of saying something. If you want to make your content stand out from AI-generated content , start with an original introduction paragraph.

❌ Don’t give it all away.

Your introduction is not the place to plead your whole case. Introduce the reader to the topic, generate interest or empathy, and make a promise they want to see fulfilled.

❌ Don’t make it too long.

Readers get bored fast. They want to get to the good stuff.

❌ Don’t use gimmicks, clickbait, clichés, or obvious ploys.

“You won’t believe what…” “Here’s everything you need to know about…” “Are you ready to make your first million?” Unless the news really is shocking, you really do include everything the reader needs to know, or you have offer a long-term, validated strategy for earning a million, you’ll just come off looking like a hack.

❌ Don’t use generic statements.

“All businesses need to track their financial performance.” “Running a marathon is no easy task.” “It takes hard work to become the best.” Openers like these waste precious seconds on stating the obvious. If you’re lucky, your reader will be kind and keep scanning for something worthwhile. But they probably already hit the Back button.

9 strong introduction paragraph examples

1. the statistical introduction example.

According to a report by Statista and eMarketer, online retail sales are projected to reach $6.51 trillion by 2023. That same report also says that ecommerce websites will claim around 22.3% of all retail sales. So, if you weren’t planning on investing in your ecommerce strategy this year, you should.

The SEO experts at Semrush have included two interesting and impressive statistics here, sure to pique the reader’s interest. They make a bold statement, too: if you thought you could wait, you can’t .

To help you replicate this kind of introduction, try using Wordtune’s Spices features to find and add interesting statistics and facts.

2. The relatable introduction example

We’ve all seen that little white label that sits tucked away on the inside of our clothing: “Made in Australia”, “Made in Turkey”, “Made in Bangladesh”. But what do those labels really mean? In this article, we discuss whether locally made clothing is more ethical. Read on to find out before your next shop.

Nothing if not concise, this introduction catches the reader with a common human experience, asks an important question, and gives a quick bridge on what the article has to offer. It’s short and direct, and it speaks to readers who may well have just been looking at a “little white label” before popping the question into Google.

3. The dialogue introduction example

After a moonwalk in April 1972, the Apollo 16 astronauts Charles Duke and John Young returned to their capsule. In the process of putting their suits and other things away, Duke commented to Ground Control:

Duke: Houston, the lunar dust smells like gunpowder. [Pause]

England: We copy that, Charlie.

Duke: Really, really a strong odor to it.

First of all, how’s that for a title?

This introduction tells a fascinating story in just 57 words. Admittedly, the unique topic of cosmic moon dust makes it easier to capture readers’ interest. But the author’s choice to include this short exchange between Charles Duke and the Houston Space Center also pulls us right into the scene.

4. The personal story introduction example

Wordtune blog: Take Smart Notes From a Textbook (Using AI + Templates)

Call me crazy, but I’ve spent $11,750 on note-taking tools.

Physical stationery in the form of highlighters, post-its, colored pens, subject notebooks, roller scales—you name it. My beautifully-written, detailed, color-coded notes gave me the feeling of being a productive high-achiever.

But these notes rarely translated into results. I was consistently in the average tier of students, despite my organized study practices—till year two of highschool. It was then that I realized all I was doing was beautifying text and not understanding information.

From then on, I set out on a journey to understand which notetaking methods worked for my subjects. I translated this into a 9.2/10 CGPA in my 10th-grade examination and a 1900 score on my SATs. In addition, I was able to achieve these results while reducing my study time by half.

Today, I’m going to show you how to do the same with my step-by-step playbook. This article covers advanced tips for students wanting to upgrade their note-taking skills.

This introduction has a great hook that draws us in immediately: Hold on. $11,000 dollars on pens and post-its?? Then it tells an emotionally engaging story of failure to success. Finally, it clearly prepares us for what’s to come. All these are hallmarks of a strong introduction.

5. The common problem introduction example

Eleven Writing blog: 7 Reasons Your Business Should Invest In High-quality Blog Articles

Many businesses publish a new blog article, they wait, and then…

Nothing happens.

The anticipated flood of new traffic never materializes. The few visitors that arrive don’t click any links, sign up to your list, or share your article.

The marketing department starts to wonder if a blog is really worth the money and hassle compared to other available channels.

But what if better blog content could change all this?

This introduction was written by one of the SEO experts at Eleven Writing, the writing agency where I work as a writer, editor, and account manager. It features a short and punchy story with a relatable twist. “And then… Nothing happens.” Translation: 🤦

It finishes with an intriguing “What if?” scenario, which leads into an article of tips and practical takeaways. And it’s a reminder of another important point: make sure your article actually fulfills any promises you make in your introduction.

6. The alarming introduction example

European Commission: Consequences of climate change

Climate change affects all regions around the world. Polar ice shields are melting and the sea is rising. In some regions, extreme weather events and rainfall are becoming more common while others are experiencing more extreme heat waves and droughts. We need climate action now, or these impacts will only intensify.

Climate change is a very serious threat, and its consequences impact many different aspects of our lives. Below, you can find a list of climate change’s main consequences.

The above introduction comes from the European Commission and discusses the dangers of climate change. It starts with a bold and disarming statement: climate change affects everybody.

It discusses just a few of the consequences of climate change, priming the reader for what’s to follow, and then provides a simple bridge into the rest of the article.

It’s short and to the point, but uses descriptive, intense language to convey urgency and emotionally engage the reader.

7. The recap introduction example

Harvard Business Review: Rescuing ESG from the Culture Wars

In the past year, ESG investing has become caught up in America’s culture wars, as prominent GOP politicians claim that it is a mechanism investors are using to impose a “woke” ideology on companies. Former Vice President Mike Pence has railed against ESG in speeches and in an op-ed. A variety of Republican governors and red-state legislatures are considering executive action and legislation to boycott asset managers that use ESG as a screening tool for their investments. And in Washington, various Congressional committees have pledged to hold hearings in which the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and major asset managers will face public questioning about the legality of ESG investing.

This introductory paragraph from the Harvard Business Review dumps the reader into the throes of a heated political debate. Whether readers agree or disagree, powerful verbs like “railed against” and politically charged language like “culture wars” and “woke” are sure to grab the attention of those on both sides of the political spectrum.

8. The common problem intro example #2

KonMari blog: 5 Rituals to Build Self-Acceptance

Self-criticism is an all too common struggle. Even the most successful people in the world experience bouts of imposter syndrome and low self-esteem. But the person you’ll spend the most time with in your life is yourself. We owe it to ourselves to strengthen our self-compassion and embrace self-love.

One of the simplest ways to build self-acceptance is to make it a part of your self-care routine. The following rituals, sourced from mindfulness experts and one of our Master KonMari Consultants, can be completed in as little as five minutes daily. Try one for a month — you’ll be surprised how much better you treat yourself.

This intro comes from the queen of tidiness, Marie Kondo, and manages to both connect with the reader and gracefully plug an advertisement for KonMari’s consulting services. There’s a common idea in SEO that “linking away” in the introduction is bad practice, but in this case, it transforms an educational article into a commercial funnel.

There’s another neat trick in this intro: it extends a challenge to the reader. Try one of the methods below and see how much better you feel after a month. With a promise like that, who wouldn’t keep scrolling?

9. The 'new angle' introduction example

Crippled CEO Blog: Resistance and Leadership Capital

So much has been written on how important it is to have the right people in your company. All a business is, really, is a collection of people. That’s it. So, it follows that getting the people right is practically the only thing that truly matters.

And while I have seen this repeated ad nauseam, I don’t see a lot of people saying what those right (or wrong) people look like – what attributes they possess.

So, I wanted to talk about one of those attributes, and in particular one that I think isn’t just overlooked, but the very concept itself isn’t known, making it impossible to look out for at all.

This attribute is resistance.

Eric Lupton blogs about his experiences and perspective as a business leader with cerebral palsy. This introduction uses incisive language that will no doubt appeal to business readers and high-powered execs.

But it also comes from a very personal perspective, like much of Lupton’s writing, and so we feel like we’re about to sit down and speak one-on-one with someone who very clearly knows what they’re talking about.

It has a conversational tone (“So, I wanted to talk about…”) and promises to reveal to us something that “isn’t just overlooked, but the very concept itself is unknown.” Intrigued? I was.

Start writing!

A strong introduction paragraph bridges the gap between an intriguing title and an article’s real value. It pulls the reader in with boldness, intrigue, storytelling, or relatability.

It’s an art that takes practice, but these introduction paragraph examples show it can be done right. There are also some great tools out there to help you out. Wordtune can offer ideas for analogies, examples, statistics, facts, and relevant quotes — all great sources of inspiration for a strong introduction paragraph.

After that, it’s your turn. Add personality, connect with your readers, and write more introductions, and you’ll be on your way to keeping your audience on the page.

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How to Start an Essay: 13 Engaging Strategies

ThoughtCo / Hugo Lin

Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

There are countless ways to start an essay effectively. A solid introductory paragraph both informs and motivates. It lets readers know what your piece is about and it encourages them to keep reading.

For folks new to learning how to start an essay, here are 13 introductory strategies accompanied by examples from a wide range of professional writers.

State Your Thesis Briefly and Directly

One straightforward way to begin is to get right to the point. But avoid making your thesis a bald announcement, such as "This essay is about...".

"It is time, at last, to speak the truth about Thanksgiving, and the truth is this. Thanksgiving is really not such a terrific holiday...." (Michael J. Arlen, "Ode to Thanksgiving." The Camera Age: Essays on Television . Penguin, 1982)

Pose a Question Related to Your Subject

A thought-provoking way to start an essay is by asking a relevant question that needs to be unpacked. Follow up the question with an answer, or an invitation for your readers to answer the question.

"What is the charm of necklaces? Why would anyone put something extra around their neck and then invest it with special significance? A necklace doesn't afford warmth in cold weather, like a scarf, or protection in combat, like chain mail; it only decorates. We might say, it borrows meaning from what it surrounds and sets off, the head with its supremely important material contents, and the face, that register of the soul. When photographers discuss the way in which a photograph reduces the reality it represents, they mention not only the passage from three dimensions to two, but also the selection of a point de vue that favors the top of the body rather than the bottom, and the front rather than the back. The face is the jewel in the crown of the body, and so we give it a setting." (Emily R. Grosholz, "On Necklaces." Prairie Schooner , Summer 2007)

State an Interesting Fact About Your Subject

Leading with a fact that draws readers in immediately can grab their attention effectively.

" The peregrine falcon was brought back from the brink of extinction by a ban on DDT, but also by a peregrine falcon mating hat invented by an ornithologist at Cornell University. If you cannot buy this, Google it. Female falcons had grown dangerously scarce. A few wistful males nevertheless maintained a sort of sexual loitering ground. The hat was imagined, constructed, and then forthrightly worn by the ornithologist as he patrolled this loitering ground, singing, Chee-up! Chee-up! and bowing like an overpolite Japanese Buddhist trying to tell somebody goodbye...." (David James Duncan, "Cherish This Ecstasy." The Sun , July 2008)

Present Your Thesis as a Recent Discovery or Revelation

"I've finally figured out the difference between neat people and sloppy people. The distinction is, as always, moral. Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people." (Suzanne Britt Jordan, "Neat People vs. Sloppy People." Show and Tell . Morning Owl Press, 1983)

Briefly Describe the Primary Setting of Your Essay

"It was in Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard. We were waiting outside the condemned cells, a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages. Each cell measured about ten feet by ten and was quite bare within except for a plank bed and a pot of drinking water. In some of them brown silent men were squatting at the inner bars, with their blankets draped round them. These were the condemned men, due to be hanged within the next week or two." (George Orwell, "A Hanging," 1931)

Recount an Incident That Dramatizes Your Subject

Sharing an incident from your life or history in general is an impactful way to start an essay.

"One October afternoon three years ago while I was visiting my parents, my mother made a request I dreaded and longed to fulfill. She had just poured me a cup of Earl Grey from her Japanese iron teapot, shaped like a little pumpkin; outside, two cardinals splashed in the birdbath in the weak Connecticut sunlight. Her white hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, and her voice was low. “Please help me get Jeff’s pacemaker turned off,” she said, using my father’s first name. I nodded, and my heart knocked." (Katy Butler, "What Broke My Father's Heart." The New York Times Magazine , June 18, 2010)

Use the Narrative Strategy of Delay

The narrative strategy of delay allows you to put off identifying your subject just long enough to pique your readers' interest without frustrating them.

"They woof. Though I have photographed them before, I have never heard them speak, for they are mostly silent birds. Lacking a syrinx, the avian equivalent of the human larynx, they are incapable of song. According to field guides the only sounds they make are grunts and hisses, though the Hawk Conservancy in the United Kingdom reports that adults may utter a croaking coo and that young black vultures, when annoyed, emit a kind of immature snarl...." (Lee Zacharias, "Buzzards." Southern Humanities Review , 2007)

Use the Historical Present Tense

An effective way to start an essay is to use historical present tense to relate an incident from the past as if it were happening now.

"Ben and I are sitting side by side in the very back of his mother’s station wagon. We face glowing white headlights of cars following us, our sneakers pressed against the back hatch door. This is our joy—his and mine—to sit turned away from our moms and dads in this place that feels like a secret, as though they are not even in the car with us. They have just taken us out to dinner, and now we are driving home. Years from this evening, I won’t actually be sure that this boy sitting beside me is named Ben. But that doesn’t matter tonight. What I know for certain right now is that I love him, and I need to tell him this fact before we return to our separate houses, next door to each other. We are both five." (Ryan Van Meter, "First." The Gettysburg Review , Winter 2008)

Briefly Describe a Process That Leads Into Your Subject

"I like to take my time when I pronounce someone dead. The bare-minimum requirement is one minute with a stethoscope pressed to someone’s chest, listening for a sound that is not there; with my fingers bearing down on the side of someone’s neck, feeling for an absent pulse; with a flashlight beamed into someone’s fixed and dilated pupils, waiting for the constriction that will not come. If I’m in a hurry, I can do all of these in sixty seconds, but when I have the time, I like to take a minute with each task." (Jane Churchon, "The Dead Book." The Sun , February 2009)

Reveal a Secret or Make a Candid Observation

"I spy on my patients. Ought not a doctor to observe his patients by any means and from any stance, that he might the more fully assemble evidence? So I stand in doorways of hospital rooms and gaze. Oh, it is not all that furtive an act. Those in bed need only look up to discover me. But they never do." ( Richard Selzer , "The Discus Thrower." Confessions of a Knife . Simon & Schuster, 1979)

Open with a Riddle, Joke, or Humorous Quotation

A fun way to start an essay is to use a riddle , joke, or humorous quotation that reveals something about your subject.

" Q: What did Eve say to Adam on being expelled from the Garden of Eden? A: 'I think we're in a time of transition.' The irony of this joke is not lost as we begin a new century and anxieties about social change seem rife. The implication of this message, covering the first of many periods of transition, is that change is normal; there is, in fact, no era or society in which change is not a permanent feature of the social landscape...." (Betty G. Farrell, Family: The Making of an Idea, an Institution, and a Controversy in American Culture . Westview Press, 1999)

Offer a Contrast Between Past and Present

"As a child, I was made to look out the window of a moving car and appreciate the beautiful scenery, with the result that now I don't care much for nature. I prefer parks, ones with radios going chuckawaka chuckawaka and the delicious whiff of bratwurst and cigarette smoke." (Garrison Keillor, "Walking Down The Canyon." Time , July 31, 2000)

Offer a Contrast Between Image and Reality

A compelling way to start an essay is with a contrast between a common misconception and the opposing truth.

"They aren’t what most people think they are. Human eyes, touted as ethereal objects by poets and novelists throughout history, are nothing more than white spheres, somewhat larger than your average marble, covered by a leather-like tissue known as sclera and filled with nature’s facsimile of Jell-O. Your beloved’s eyes may pierce your heart, but in all likelihood they closely resemble the eyes of every other person on the planet. At least I hope they do, for otherwise he or she suffers from severe myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), or worse...." (John Gamel, "The Elegant Eye." Alaska Quarterly Review , 2009)

Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
100 Persuasive Essay Topics
How to Write a Good Thesis Statement
501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
Essay Assignment: Descriptive and Informative Profile
Practice in Supporting a Topic Sentence with Specific Details
How to Start a Book Report
What Is Expository Writing?
An Essay Revision Checklist
Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
50 Argumentative Essay Topics
How to Outline and Organize an Essay
How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
Writing an Opinion Essay

Writing Prompts

60+ First Line Writing Prompts

Did you know that the opening line of a story is one of the hardest parts of writing a great book? Spark your imagination with these 100+first line writing prompts for all ages! These simple one-liners are the perfect way to get those creative juices flowing and find inspiration for your next big short story or flash fiction .

We have a mix of first-line writing prompts, ranging from fantasy prompts to non-fictional and realistic events. As well as prompts written in the first and third-person view. The one-line writing prompts in this post are a great way to challenge yourself to write something new. In fact, you can even set yourself a challenge to write at least 300 words every day for each of these cool prompts!

60+ Random First Line Writing Prompts

Here are over 60 one-line opening sentences to help you write your next big story:

“Er… I hate this song. Why is it always playing on the radio?”
Every story has a hero and I’m the hero of this one.
Thunder rattled outside, as Emily tossed and turned trying to sleep.
Life wasn’t great at all for Mr Pea. It wasn’t even mildly good.
They keep calling me “special”, but what’s so special about me?
Gavin was always getting the best presents. For once I wish I could be like him.
Balloons popping, confetti dropping and food flying. That’s how Katie spent her birthday each year.
Every night, Peter went out to save the world in his own little way.
If dogs could speak, then Spike would be thanking Chris right now.
Money is everything.
Was it really Jane’s fault?
Every day the same thing keeps happening.
For the first time in her life, Janie felt powerful.
5 AM and still no phone call.
Mom’s always telling me to come straight home.
There’s an old legend that talks about magical fairies living in the forest.
Snow fell, as Clarissa made her way home.
After the accident, Nelson never felt safe again.
Katie’s living the dream up in the hills of Hollywood.
The world seemed like such a big place, until the recent discovery in Antarctica.
“Dear diary, today I learned something about myself…” Katie mumbled to herself.
Blinded by a bright light outside his window, Jake jumped up in horror.
Sitting at his computer, Martin noticed something odd about his favourite computer game.
Rain trembled down the window, as the car radio played in the background.
“Ready or not, here I come!” shouted Millie in the distance.
Once upon a time, there lived a young prince with extraordinary powers.
James had it all, but still, it was not enough.
Her red hair glistened in the sun, as she walked across the car park.
Mel was always haunted by her dreams.
“Shhhh! It’s your turn now” whispered Kelly.
The room was a dump, as Jack frantically searched every corner.
This time daddy brought a strange teddy bear home.
There’s no cure for a beast like me.
People ran inside their homes, as the alarm rang.
Tracking through the woods, Christian found something strange.
Home. What is home anyway?
Legend says that if you breathe in and out ten times in front of a mirror something strange happens.
Tick… tock… tick… tock… time was going so slow.
The pain was too much, he had to leave right now.
Slipping out of reach, she lost it forever.
Money, clothes, food, everything you need for a quick getaway.
In the faraway kingdom of Rainbow Popsicles, everything was sweet, apart from one strange-looking thing.
In the damp streets of Manhattan, there lived a fierce little cat.
Being the ‘odd one out’, the ‘weird’ one wasn’t fun at all.
“Ahhhhhhhhhhh!” Shelly screamed in her sleep.
Some say the number 7 is unlucky, but to me, it wasn’t.
Every Saturday, Joe went to his Grandma’s house, but something was very different this week.
Chores, chores and more chores.
For once I wish I could get my way.
The sun shone brightly on Oakland farm, but not all was bright.
“I got one! I got one!” shrieked Sally, jumping up and down in excitement.
She was everything I wanted to be and more.
The same words over and over again scattered all over the floor.
The scariest creatures lived deep in the forest where no-one ever went.
“Abra Kadabra, turn these ripped trainers into the fastest trainers in the world!” exclaimed Victor.
The desert-like sun burned his skin as he lay scorching in the sand.
The sound of rustling leaves turned George’s heart to stone.
Sunny Slimeville was just a normal town with a funny name.
The phone did not stop ringing all week.
Another tea party, another game.
How’s a country girl like me ever going to survive the big city?
Did you know that not all zombies eat brains?

How To Use These One-Line Writing Prompts

There are a number of ways you can use these first-line writing prompts to inspire your story writing , such as:

Pick one of the opening sentences and free-write for at least 60 seconds. Don’t stop to think, just keep on writing whatever comes to mind!
Don’t keep skipping through all of the prompts above. Challenge yourself and give the ‘hard’ or ‘boring’ ones a go! You never know how they’ll inspire you unless you give them a go.
Feel free to adapt these first-line writing prompts in any way you like. You can change the character names, point of view and any other details you feel like.
Explore your imagination. Don’t be afraid to add more characters, add conflict, add dialogue , add anything you like to really have fun with these prompts!

For more inspiration, check out this list of over 150 story starters . Now go and choose an opening sentence from the above list! And if it inspires you to write something cool, let us know in the comments! You can even publish your story online – Just sign-up to create your free account .

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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Daily Writing Tips

20 great opening lines to inspire the start of your story.

As Glinda the Good Witch says in The Wizard of Oz , “It’s always best to start at the beginning.” That’s where editors and literary agents generally get going, so perhaps you should, too. Here are some strategies, accompanied by exemplars from literature, for making the first line of your novel or short story stand out so that the reader can’t help but go on to the second and the third and so on to see what else you have to say:

“‘Take my camel, dear,’ said my Aunt Dot, as she climbed down from this animal on her return from High Mass.” — Rose Macaulay, The Towers of Trebizond

Are you in the mood for amusement? This opening line makes it clear that farce is in force.

“The human race, to which so many of my readers belong, has been playing at children’s games from the beginning, and will probably do it till the end, which is a nuisance for the few people who grow up.” — G. K. Chesterton, The Napoleon of Notting Hill

Astute observations accompanied by a implied sigh of disgust are tricky to master, but Chesterton, one of the most multifaceted men of letters, lights the way for you with this sample of the form.

“The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.” — William Gibson, Neuromancer

Oh, by the way, just in case you missed the forecast? Don’t expect any fluffy bunnies or fragrant blossoms or dulcet giggles to show up in this seminal cyberpunk story. A spot-on metaphor expresses the story’s nihilism, letting you know what you’re in for and lugubriously inviting you in.

4. Confiding

“There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.” — C. S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The author of the Chronicles of Narnia no sooner introduces by name a new character in the latest installment than, in just five more words, he succeeds in telling you everything you need to know about him. Well, got that out of the way.

“Justice? — You get justice in the next world, in this world you have the law.” — William Gaddis, A Frolic of His Own

Somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning — and maybe the bed’s shoved up against the wall, and that attitude is a permanent condition. The stage is set for an unhappy beginning, middle, and ending.

6. Disorienting

“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” — George Orwell, 1984

Ho-hum — huh? Orwell’s opening line creates a slight but immediate discordance that sets you up for an unsettling experience.

7. Enigmatic

“Once upon a time, there was a woman who discovered she had turned into the wrong person.” — Anne Tyler, Back When We Were Grownups

It will not surprise you to learn that the protagonist sets about retracing her steps and striving to correct the error, but after reading this subtle but striking first line, can you resist finding out how she does it?

8. Epigrammatic

“The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.” — L. P. Hartley, The Go-Between

This offbeat observation from Hartley’s novel of painful reminiscence is a blindsidingly original statement that one will feel compelled to read about just how the writer acquired this wisdom.

9. Expository

“In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing. We lived at the junction of great trout rivers in Montana, and our father was a Presbyterian minister and a fly fisherman who tied his own flies and taught others. He told us about Christ’s disciples being fishermen, and we were left to assume, as my brother and I did, that all first-class fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fishermen, and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman.” — Norman McLean, A River Runs Through It

By the end of this paragraph, you already know a great deal about the narrator’s family (especially the father) — but thanks to the introduction, as clear as a snow-fed mountain river, you want to know more.

10. Foreboding

“I have never begun a novel with more misgiving.” — W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor’s Edge

The author is a bit intrusive here, true enough, but it is kind of him to let us know that we’re in for a bit of unpleasantness. But if he can express such profound reluctance, it must be quite a story.

“There was a desert wind blowing that night. It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands’ necks. Anything can happen. You can even get a full glass of beer at a cocktail lounge.” — Raymond Chandler, Red Wind

Chandler, the master of hard-bitten crime noir, makes it obvious that this story is not going to end well. You can almost hear the smoky, whiskey-soured, world-weary narration in your head. And this quote comes from one of Chandler’s half-forgotten short stories.

12. Inviting

“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.” — Charles Dickens, David Copperfield

Dickens extends his arm toward the passageway within, welcoming you to enter what promises to be an entertaining story.

13. Picaresque

“In the last years of the Seventeenth Century there was to be found among the fops and fools of the London coffee-houses one rangy, gangling flitch called Ebenezer Cooke, more ambitious than talented, and yet more talented than prudent, who, like his friends-in-folly, all of whom were supposed to be educating at Oxford or Cambridge, had found the sound of Mother English more fun to game with than her sense to labor over, and so rather than applying himself to the pains of scholarship, had learned the knack of versifying, and ground out quires of couplets after the fashion of the day, afroth with Joves and Jupiters, aclang with jarring rhymes, and string-taut with similes stretched to the snapping-point.” — John Barth, The Sot-Weed Factor

Oh, but you know this novel is going to be juicy. This snide introduction to the main character conveys a promise of a continuous feed of schadenfreude.

“Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board.” — Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God

Every once in a while there comes an opening line that seems to have an entire story folded up inside it. But it’s just the label on the envelope. And I challenge you to withstand the urge to open it up and read the message.

“We started dying before the snow, and like the snow, we continued to fall.” — Louise Erdrich, Tracks

A somber, stately metaphor draws us in despite the pervasively gloomy imagery.

16. Prefatory

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Many people associate Dickens with whimsy and eccentricity, but A Tale of Two Cities is a stern study of the insanity of mob rule, and this floridly eloquent prologue sets the stage like the presenter of a Shakespearean prologue: “Epic Ahead.”

17. Romantic

“He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.” — Raphael Sabatini, Scaramouche

Romantic, that is, in the sense of lust for life, not love for another. This author of swashbucklers like The Sea Hawk and Captain Blood (and, of course, Scaramouche ) lets you know right away that you are about to meet someone larger than life.

18. Sarcastic

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” — Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Austen didn’t invent the word snark — but she certainly refined the application of the quality. Notice, though, how subtle this line is. It’s a bon mot — understated, yet with teeth behind that prim smile.

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.” — J. D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Can you find it in your heart to forgive this young man his grievously bad attitude? More likely, you’ll be impressed by — and want to immerse yourself in more of — his insolence.

20. Unexpected

“Every summer Lin Kong returned to Goose Village to divorce his wife, Shuyu.” — Ha Jin, Waiting

This seemingly pedestrian introduction upends itself with an intriguing premise that raises a question in the reader’s mind that must be answered.

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22 thoughts on “20 Great Opening Lines to Inspire the Start of Your Story”

Thank you for sharing these fabulous opening lines! I love Jane Austen — Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books.

Thanks for posting this list. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to start a writing day 🙂

Well I have to share my favourite opening lines now:

“It was the day my grandmother exploded!” – The Crow Road, Iain Banks

“I write this sitting in the kitchen sink” – I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith

In fact the full opening from the Crow Road is even better:

“It was the day my grandmother exploded. I sat in the crematorium, listening to my Uncle Hamish quietly snoring in harmony to Bach’s Mass in B Minor, and I reflected that it always seemed to be death that drew me back to Gallanach.”

I’m simultaneously inspired and intimidated. I can hardly imagine writing anything that draws readers in the way these introductions do. Must keep practicing!

What a great list of opening lines!

4, 5, 12, 17 & 20 are my favorites.

Thank you for compiling this list. I thought a lot about my own style and strategies while reading it, and I’m pretty much all over the place. I do notice my tendency to start each book with dialogue, whether the style is sarcastic, foreboding, or bleak etc. Most often, the dialogue is pushed behind a beginning paragraph during edits, changing the feel of the opening.

Thanks for the great read, Allure Van Sanz

I will always love “Once upon a time, ” the best.

This is fabulous – thanks for sharing!

Phew! I’m glad I didn’t bypass this e-mail. By the title, I thought this article was going to offer 20 sentences that subscribers could expand upon.

I love the format this article is in, though. 🙂 I knew these different types of beginnings existed, just not consciously.

I like the openner which is something like this:

“Well unlike last time when I got too involved and gave you the run arround, this time I’m going straight for the jugular and cut out all that crap about my private life”.

of course he doesn’t.

The author is Don von Elsner.

Superb! This is a charming, outstanding and quite practical posting. These devices are such wonderful tools to be used to enchant readers, create flows, spark drama, awaken minds… and so much more.

Practice is key. What I deeply love about such tools is they may be applied to so many forms of writing such as fiction, poetry and most other types of narrative. Even “tweets”!

With “tweets” in mind I will have a least 20 new tweets to apply and practice these ideas on today. I am cheating here a wee bit.

Creating tweets for “bestdeedswords”, helps understand how to apply these tools and also selfishly carves them into the dark caverns of my eclectic memory facilities. This is a simple personal way to store them for later use.

Mark, these great posts are very useful. Thanks for your hard work and research. Thanks so very much.

Personally, I like the way I have started all my stories. I love getting right to the action, and explaining later or in different, unique ways. I am only 14 and on my 3rd story.

Great post! I’ve been testing out story ideas at the Creative Copy Challenge and received favorable feedback. I think it’s time for me to write a novel.

Well unless someones already done it I think it would be not only right but, satisfying to have endings as well.

That’s the subject I’ve been researching today – one spot of advice I read was to leave the first and last lines until the novel was complete – I think it’s a useful excuse for procrastinators like me.

Great post! I’ve read some of these books and never really gave any thought to the reason why. Now I know.

These are all good lines. Good lines are what matter, not their location in the book. Go back and look at your favorite literature. Most of mine begin with ordinary lines. The opening sentence and paragraph do not truly need to stand out. All the better if they do, but it is not necessary.

All seem to have missed Snoopy’s classic: “It was a dark and stormy night.” One of my favourites.

Although the lines are intriguing, and certainly I am appreciative of this post, I am more impressed by the one who compiled it. Your comments and labels were as educational to read as the quotes themselves. Thank you for sparing the time to educate us both with the wit of others and your own unique style of narration to spur us onward to the end.

The opening line of a book I read freshman year of high school still sticks with me. “When I was little I would think of ways to kill my daddy. I would figure out this or that way and run it down through my head until it got easy.” -Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons I still think that to this day that line motivated me to read the book in half an afternoon.

I’ve always enjoyed the (usually ignored, always contradicted) first line of “Gone With the Wind:”

‘Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful… though her suitors rarely took notice of this when as enthralled by her charm as the Tarleton twins.’

I love this article! This was great!!! My favorites were 1, 5, and 6! I used something similar to 6 in my book! Too funny!!!

I made this one up: When I was overtaken by poisonous vines, I never thought I would grow wings.

And also this- The teacher said “if John has nine pancakes, and Adam gives him eighteen pencils, why are ant green?” I knew, of course, that the answer was horses have six legs, but I let a newer student get it wrong. “It’s because aliens don’t wear hats.” his words went up in pitch at the end, showing he was unsure. The teacher said,” try again, Mark.”

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Great Opening Lines: How to Grab Readers and Never Let Them Go

March 23, 2011 By Barbara Santos, Strategic Partnerships Director 2 Comments

Many thanks to author and writing teacher Laura Davis for this outstanding post on how to write great opening lines.

Lots of people ask me about the ideal first line for a book, story, essay or memoir. There is no single answer to this question, although it’s essential to understand that the first line exists for one reason and one reason only: to compel the reader to read the second line. You want to hook the reader and keep him reading.

A great opening line does one or more of the following:

Begins right in the middle of the story, putting the reader immediately into the dramatic action
Takes us immediately into another world that we feel we must know more about
Immediately gives us the opportunity to escape from our own thoughts, obsessions and concerns
Let’s us know instantly that we’re in the hands of a master storyteller
Presents us with something unusual, quirky, amazing, shocking or emotionally gripping
Introduces us to a fascinating, funny or idiosyncratic character
Introduces us to an adventure, dilemma or person we simply must know more about
Establishes a mystery that we want to solve
Sets a compelling emotional mood or tone
Builds suspense and tension that makes us want to know more

I’ve been collecting great first lines for years and I often have my writing students do the same. Here are some of my all time favorites. See if you can identify which of the qualities I just mentioned are achieved by each of the following lines:

“I was sitting in a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster.” — The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

“I was born twice: first, as a baby girl, on a remarkably smogless Detroit day in January of 1960; and then again, as a teenage boy, in an emergency room near Petoskey, Michigan, in August of 1974.”

– -Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides”When all is said and done, killing my mother came easily.” – -The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold

“I was five years old the first time I ever set foot in prison.” –A Place to Stand by Jimmy Santiago Baca

“When they write my obituary. Tomorrow. Or the next day. It will say, LEO GURSKY IS SURVIVED BY AN APARTMENT FULL OF SHIT.” –The History of Love by Nicole Kraus

“I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975.” — The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

“The little red light had been flashing for five minutes before Bhangoo paid it any attention. ‘The fuel gauges on these old aircraft are notoriously unreliable.” –Three Cups of Te a by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

“It took me a long time and most of the world to learn what I know about love and fate and the choices we make, but the heart of it came to me in an instant, while I was chained to a wall and being tortured.” –Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

“Women on their own run in Alice’s family.” –Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver

“Cannery Row in Monterey in California is a poem, a stink, a grating noise, a quality of light, a tone, a habit, a nostalgia, a dream. Cannery Row is the gathered and scattered, tin and iron and rust and splintered wood, chipped pavement and weedy lots and junk heaps, sardine canneries of corrugated iron, honky tonks, restaurants and whore houses, and little crowded groceries, and laboratories and flophouses.” –Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

“Every year I bury a couple hundred of my townspeople.” –Undertaking: Life studies from the dismal trade by Thomas Lynch

“Mavis McPherson is locked in the bathroom and will not come out.” –Ordinary Life by Elizabeth Berg

“On the afternoon of October 12, 1990, my twin brother Thomas entered the Three Rivers, Connecticut Public Library, retreated to one of the rear study carrels, and prayed to God the sacrifice he was about to commit would be deemed acceptable.” –I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

“The first accident wasn’t my fault.” –“Wheels of Fortune,” Peter Hessler, The New Yorker

“It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.” –Nineteen Eight Four by George Orwell

“It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and charred.” –Farhenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

“Do you want a big rat or a small rat?” the waitress asked. –“A Rat in My Soup,” Peter Hessler, The New Yorker

“On a Sunday morning in the June of my thirty-first year I open the front door of our house looking for the newspaper and find a man standing out there: stoop-shouldered, bent, blotch-skinned, his hair and beard tangled, staring with the big, wet eyes of an animal.” –Blue River, by Ethan Canin

“It is a relatively little-known fact that, over the course of a single year, about 20 million letters are delivered to the dead. ” –Girl with No Shadow by J. Harris

“Mum starved herself for suffrage, Grandmother claiming it was just like Mum to take a cause too far.” — A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert

“They shot the white girl first.” –Paradise by Toni Morrison

“In the moments before, she laid a hand on his arm. ‘No matter what,’ he said, giving him a look, ‘you cannot stop.'” –Mercy by Jodi Picoult

Now see if you can find–and write–some of your own!

Laura Davis is the author of seven non-fiction books, including The Courage to Heal , Becoming the Parent You Want to Be and I Thought We’d Never Speak Again . Laura’s groundbreaking books have sold more than 1.8 million copies around the world. Laura leads weekly writing groups and writing retreats in Santa Cruz, CA, as well as internationally. The Writing Retreat of Your Dreams , held in July on the cliffs of Bolinas on the wild northern California coast, is open for registration now, http://www.lauradavis.net/retreat . Each week, Laura sends out The Writer’s Journey Roadmap –a free inspirational quote and writing prompt, direct to your inbox, http://www.lauradavis.net/prompts .

The 9 th San Francisco Writers Conference / A Celebration of Craft, Commerce & Community / February 16-20, 2012 / Keynoters: bestselling novelist Lolly Winston and editor Alan Rinzler on his fifty years in publishing / www.sfwriters.org / blog: http: //sfwriters.info/blog / To receive free MKP3s, visit www.sfwriters.info / Twitter: @SFWC / San Francisco Writers University: Where Writers Meet and You Learn, a project of the SFWC / Join its more than 500 members for free feedback on your work / Laurie McLean, Dean / www.sfwritersu.com

Reader Interactions

[…] Here’s a link to a wonderful blog post by my colleague Michael Larsen that not only talks about great first lines, he gives lots of examples. It’s very inspirational: http://sfwriters.org/blog/great-opening-lines-how-to-grab-readers-and-never-let-them-go/ […]

[…] Make it as visceral and compelling as possible. Here is a great blog post from writing teacher Laura Davis and agent Michael Larsen who tells you how to craft a great first line and gives amazing examples. […]

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Enchanting Marketing

Writing advice for small business

How to Captivate Hurried Readers with a Magic Opening Line

by Henneke | 97 enchanting opinions, add yours? :)

A good opening line sets the tone and invites readers into your story, making them eager to read on.

This article discusses how to write an opening sentence:

How to write an opening sentence

A good opening line is an invitation to your reader

Let’s say you skip reading the first few sentences and start with the fourth?

I don’t like the pressure of writing a first sentence.

What if I fail to engage readers ? What if I’m boring them? What if I’ve wasted my time on this article because my first line sucks?

The task of writing a catchy first sentence can paralyze even the most acclaimed writers. In an interview with the Atlantic , Stephen King admits he can spend months, or even years, on writing the opening lines for a new book.

Sounds crazy, right?

As business writers, we don’t have the luxury of time. We have other things to do than worrying about one line of text.

So what can we do?

Let me share with you a trick for writing a first sentence super-fast. But first, let’s define what a good opening line is.

What makes an opening sentence good?

This is how the novel “Nervous Conditions” by Tsitsi Dangarembga starts:

I was not sorry when my brother died.

Why is this sentence good?

It entices you to read on.

That first sentence creates drama because it instantly raises two compelling questions in readers’ minds: Why did the brother die? And why was the author not sorry? A reader reads on because he wants to find out the answers to these two questions.

Stephen King says it like this:

An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.

One of the most famous opening sentences

This is how “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger starts:

If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.

This famous opening line is 63 words long.

Is such a long sentence a good idea?

Ben Blatt analyzed what makes a good novel great, and he also reviewed first sentences. His conclusions are not clear cut, as he summarizes in his book “Nabokov’s Favorite Word is Mauve:”

The first sentence is only as popular as the rest of the book, and brevity alone will not make a first sentence great.

Our literary heroes may write lengthy first sentences.

But when writing for the web, we need to remember our readers. They’re not curled up on a comfy sofa with a book and a glass of Rioja. They’re hurrying across the web, searching for interesting articles to read and share. Who has the patience to start reading a block of text?

Examples of short opening sentences

Instead of following J.D. Salinger’s 63-word mammoth sentence, take your cue from Toni Morrison, the master of short first sentences, like this one from “Tar Baby:”

He believed he was safe.

From “Paradise:”

They shoot the white girl first.

From “God Help the Child:”

It’s not my fault.

Each of these sentences makes you curious to read on.

Your first sentence has two purposes. First, get people to read your first sentence—a short sentence works better because it’s easy to read. Then, make sure they want to read your second sentence.

The worst opening lines

Ben Blatt quotes the opening line of the book “Paul Clifford” by Edward Bulwer-Lytton as one of the most ridiculed opening lines ever:

It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents, except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the house-tops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness.

Not only is that sentence awfully long, its worst crime is that nothing happens. Nothing grabs attention. Nothing makes me curious. It’s simply a description of the weather. So what?

Of course, in business we rarely write about the weather, but you may have come across similar opening lines that fail to whet your appetite for reading more. For instance:

Many ways exist to choose your words.

As you know, Rome wasn’t built in one day.

In business, you have to take risks.

The above opening lines may be short, but they’re obvious statements, killing readers’ interest. There’s no incentive to read on.

A little-known shortcut for catchy opening sentences

Getting nervous about writing a good first sentence?

No need for nerves, when you know this blog writing trick …

Unlike novels, a blog post is often a conversation with our readers. And what easier way to engage readers than asking them a question?

A few examples:

Do you hear that nagging voice, too? ( source )

Do you ever feel a pang of envy? ( source )

Has it happened to you, too? ( source )

In a face-to-face meeting, you often start a conversation with a question, like: Cup of tea? How did your meeting go? Or: How’s business?

Why not do the same in your writing?

The one magic opening line doesn’t exist

So, no need to search for it anxiously.

Instead, remember your reader.

Imagine him hurrying across the web. He’s feeling restless. He’s impatient because he’s been wasting his time reading lousy blog posts.

How can you engage him? How can you make him read your first sentence? And then the next?

A good writer draws a reader in, and doesn’t let him go until the last word.

Bonus examples of great opening lines

The first sentence of How to Kidnap the Rich by Rahul Raina:

The first kidnapping wasn’t my fault.

This sentence conjures up so many questions that I couldn’t help myself to read on. Who was kidnapped? How was the protagonist involved? What happened after the first kidnapping? And how and why were the subsequent kidnappings his fault? All these questions made me read on.

This is the opening line from Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones:

My father, James Witherspoon, is a bigamist.

Do you also want to know more? Why was her father a bigamist? How did the protagonist find out her father was a bigamist? What happened with the two marriages? Were their children in both marriages?

Sometimes, a long first sentence is great. like this one from The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett:

The morning one of the lost twins returned to Mallard, Lou LeBon ran to the diner to break the news, and even now, many years later, everyone remembers the shock of sweaty Lou pushing through the glass doors, chest heaving, neckline darkened with his own effort.

Why were the twins lost? Why did one return? And why did everyone remember?

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment and join the conversation cancel reply.

October 27, 2022 at 3:24 am

Why was her father an bigamist? / FYI- it should read “a” bigamist…

Great suggestions. Still in learning mode…some volunteer pieces published… Thanks.

October 27, 2022 at 9:22 am

Well spotted! I’ve updated it. Thank you.

August 3, 2022 at 12:35 pm

Hi Henneke,

Today has been my Opening Paragraph study time (as l follow your writing techniques format).

I have always wondered about a few things which you fully answered. Though l got a little confused with this particular post.

– With an accidental one, l chances upon, Why your titles are always different? (one in the feed and on the actual post)

– l suppose the opening line is “Can l skip the opening sentence of of this post?

Qn, is this an I or you approach based blog? – Starting from the above sentence ” Can l skip…’ to the 5th sentence. I didn’t get the flow.

Why? I always feel you speaking to me, the reader whenever l read your posts.

And that’s daily.

– But in this one, it’s like you were musing to yourself..

Please, help me clarify on this… I am doing loooots of learning. Thank you 🙏🙏

August 3, 2022 at 4:29 pm

I write usually 3+ headline variations for different goals (SEO, at the top of the blog post, and for social media), as the length and importance of keyword differs.

I often use templates for writing opening paragraphs but not always. Sometimes, an opening just turns out differently or sometimes I want to try a variation. Sometimes it works, sometimes less so. Sometimes an opening resonates with some readers and less with others. I also developed the templates by trial and error.

While templates are useful, they should never be a straitjacket.

January 25, 2022 at 9:09 pm

Love this. Nicking it right now for a lesson on great opening sentences for a lost group of kids who struggle to read. Any chance we can send you our attempts to comment on? Would be a great motivator!! Thank you!

January 26, 2022 at 11:05 am

Mrs. Maccormac, you’re welcome to use my article in your class. I wish I were able to help out with giving feedback but I’ve learned that’s just not possible. I work only part-time. I try to be generous with the tips I share here on my blog but just don’t have the time to help everyone with free feedback. I wouldn’t have time left to write my next blog post!

August 19, 2021 at 4:48 pm

This is a post I keep coming back to Henneke. And, like magic, it gets me thinking (of the obvious, right?) and boom! My sentence pops up. Thank you so much for that!

August 19, 2021 at 9:16 pm

That’s so wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing that, Lia. I appreciate it!

April 23, 2021 at 9:35 pm

I’ve been trying to write a story for 4 weeks now and all I have is the title and who it’s by. This really helped me thank you so much.

April 25, 2021 at 8:12 pm

I’m glad this helped you get unstuck. Happy writing!

December 8, 2020 at 6:47 pm

Hello and thank you so much for sharing your wisdom in such a palatable way. I often have a hard time using your advice though. Mostly I can’t seem to find a way to apply it to my field. I’m a web developer and I write articles about code. It seems writing advice is often targeted at more “exciting” topics: “learn to write better”, “increase your income”, “learn to sell anything to anybody”. But when it comes to “make your website responsive” or “learn PHP” I have a hard time making things exciting. Any advice?

December 9, 2020 at 9:57 am

Writing doesn’t always need to be exciting. The basic requirement is that you help readers achieve their goals, solve their problems, and answer their questions. Well laid out information that’s helpful and easy to consume is key, and often that’s enough.

If you want to add more interest, think about telling stories. For instance, what happens when a site isn’t responsive? How does that make web visitors feel? How can you compare it to other experiences in life? E.g., is an unresponsive website similar to trying to reach a call center all afternoon, waiting to get through the call queue while listening to terrible music? And now, when you make a site responsive, how does that experience change? Imagine, calling customer service and they pick up before the first ring; you hear a friendly voice: What can I do for you?

That’s just a quick example!

December 9, 2020 at 5:35 pm

This is a terrific example. I would never have thought of it. Thank you!

October 20, 2020 at 8:38 am

“A good writer draws a reader in, and doesn’t let him go until the last word.” You’re the best writer to my mind! Really. I never take-off (I’m not sure that is the perfect word – I’m french) BEFORE the last word. Thank you so much, Henneke, for inspiring me everyday.

October 20, 2020 at 8:33 pm

That’s a lovely compliment. Thank you so much, Natacha.

April 19, 2020 at 2:19 pm

Thank u so much. This article gives me a lot of ideas for creative articles on my site.. Next, I hope you’ll create articles with examples like this again. I can’t wait to read it again next time.

April 19, 2020 at 2:33 pm

Thank you, Gginanjar. Happy writing!

January 18, 2020 at 9:59 am

“We were drinking champagne in the kitchen when the nun telephoned.” Opening sentence of my first novel, “Singing Bird”. I hope it draws the reader in.

January 18, 2020 at 12:50 pm

It’ll make people want to know what the nun called about. Congrats on your first novel!

January 8, 2020 at 2:45 am

Thank you for this. It will help greatly in the story I’m writing.

January 8, 2020 at 7:33 pm

Happy storytelling, Foxy!

April 22, 2021 at 2:47 pm

Thanks Henneke .I’m just new born writer trying to survive in the literature world with a lot of characters in my brain. And I have seen that this will help me no end. Again thank you

April 22, 2021 at 6:45 pm

I’m glad you found it useful. Happy writing!

June 13, 2019 at 1:56 pm

For me it is quite opposite than posted. Examples in the article are artsy and pretentious and those ‘wrong’ are interesting. I suppose it depends on what does one expect from book. Those ‘right’ first sentences remind me of intrusive commercials, or speak of boring casual events or author’s/hero’s ideas exposed too soon and too explicitly. Rather than that I prefer to get to know with their minds indirect, through depictions and longer storyline. Usually if somebody wants to flash already at the beginning, he/she has a complex to cover. Those who has valuable content do not need a commercial or flashing.

June 14, 2019 at 12:26 pm

Defining good writing is always a subjective matter. No objective rules exists. So, you’ll always a couple of people who have different preferences.

I’m impressed you read on after reading my first sentence!

June 13, 2018 at 12:05 am

Loved this post! Get their attention, first impressions are key.

June 13, 2018 at 1:52 pm

That’s it! 🙂 Thank you, Matthew.

April 23, 2018 at 6:57 am

Thank you, Henneke. Again, nicely done. 🙂

April 23, 2018 at 9:00 am

Thank you, Lucas 🙂

April 20, 2018 at 3:49 pm

I recommend Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One & Never Lets Them Go by Les Edgerton for writing epic opening lines! It might be for fiction but the principles are similar.

April 20, 2018 at 7:23 pm

Thank you so much for the recommendation, LJ. I’ve added it to my reading list and look forward to reading it!

April 20, 2018 at 10:50 am

Excellent hook leading off this post Henneke. If you spend a moment to think through the opening line, or, a bit longer, you reel readers in. Kudos to Stephen King for spending such time getting his open down cold. Reminds me of George R.R. Martin’s works. Genius writers take their time to make a seismic impact.

April 23, 2018 at 11:17 am

Thank you, Ryan. I’m glad you enjoyed the hook 🙂 And yes, I agree with you, spending a little more time on writing an opening line can pay off.

Thank you for stopping by!

April 18, 2018 at 9:41 am

Hi Henneke I love reading everything about everything on blogs and you’re right, what makes me want to continue is how the writer captures my attention at the beginning.I am going to do this on my blog. Thank you

April 18, 2018 at 8:01 pm

Great! Many people may be skimming blog posts, but with a good opening we have a chance of engaging readers, so they actually read from our first to our last word. Happy blogging, Jane! And thank you for stopping by.

April 17, 2018 at 1:33 am

This is an awesome article. Thanks so much for shining a light on a subject that strikes fear into the hearts of most writers.

April 17, 2018 at 3:26 pm

Thank you, Cary. Happy writing!

April 15, 2018 at 1:20 pm

More often I’ll write my opening sentence after I’ve written the main body of the article. It saves sweating hours over the crucial opening before you have anything down on paper (aka the screen).

I’m also fond of using questions, although I challenge myself to use different openings, so I don’t become too predictable. And if I’m not mistaken, when you write for Social Media Examiner I believe you have to use two questions at the beginning of your article. (Take a peep, and you’ll see what I mean.)

Thanks for sharing your tips. – David

April 15, 2018 at 7:19 pm

I do exactly the same. I write the main body of the article, and then the next day I write the intro and final paragraph. It feels more doable that way.

The Social Media Examiner openings feel quite formulaic, don’t you think? Or maybe it’s just me.

Have you noticed I used one (!) exclamation mark in this post? Especially for you 🙂

Thank you for stopping by, David (and for tweeting!)

April 15, 2018 at 7:32 pm

I didn’t like to mention it… But it fits perfectly! (oops)

April 15, 2018 at 8:07 pm

April 13, 2018 at 8:15 am

This is the perfect post for me at the perfect time. Thanks for the well articulated tips. Going try this for my next post. Thank you much for the great inspiration.

April 14, 2018 at 6:41 pm

Great. It makes me happy that you feel inspired. Thank you, Rosie!

April 12, 2018 at 2:30 pm

I’ve found that the way that works the best for me is to imagine I’m talking to someone. If I write conversationally, then I get better results and that definitely applies to the first line too!

April 12, 2018 at 4:06 pm

That sounds like a great approach as you can’t forget that you’re writing for your reader.

Thank you for stopping by, Sarah. I appreciate it.

April 11, 2018 at 11:31 pm

Sometimes we get ahead of ourselves. We become focused on getting the information on paper and our first sentence can overwhelm.

And it can be a pain to create but with examples like the ones you’ve provided Henneke, there’s a road to follow. Thank you for the clarity.

April 12, 2018 at 3:54 pm

I’m glad you’ve found the examples helpful, Judy 🙂

One other trick is to skip writing the introductory paragraph of a post. I find this the most difficult part to write, so I prefer writing the main body first. Then, the opening becomes more doable.

Thank you for stopping by.

April 11, 2018 at 12:52 pm

When I write the fiction – I often write something off. And it intrigues the reader.

For example,

Adam is guy who killed. And she kills it.

And then I write a story about feminine Adam who kills it in fashion industry. And apparently is murdered.

It is a fun game for me. And an interesting opening line for readers.

Thanks Henneke, keep writing more…

April 11, 2018 at 8:54 pm

You got it!

Maybe one day I try writing fiction, too. I’ve never tried it. There’s still enough non-fiction for me to write 🙂

Thank you for stopping by, Rohan.

April 11, 2018 at 7:22 am

This one is great, I usually find myself forgetting the captivating role of the first sentence. I now know how to keep them by my side from start and hopefully through the end. Can it apply in a news-style writing? Thanks so much Henneke.

April 11, 2018 at 10:07 am

News-style writing is usually a bit different as it doesn’t aim to get people to read from start to finish. So, in news reporting, you often get the main message of the article in the first sentence. Journalists call it the inverted pyramid: you put your most important information first, and your least important information at the end.

April 11, 2018 at 7:21 am

This is great. Often, i start my posts with one or two questions to intrigue my readers. I’ll try to experiment with other opening lines.

April 11, 2018 at 10:05 am

Great! I hope you’ll enjoy your experiment 🙂

Thank you for stopping by, Vincent.

April 10, 2018 at 11:19 pm

I read recently that using headlines that can be answered NO is a bad idea because people don’t want to click to read on… It was specific to headlines, but I’m wondering if it applies to to opening lines also. Thoughts?

Yes, that’s especially true when writing sales copy. In sales copy, you only want to use questions that people answer YES to. When you get them in the mode of agreeing with you (nodding Yes), then you increase the chance that they may agree to take up your sales offer, too. In contrast, if they think NO, then you risk them turning away.

In blog writing, you have perhaps a little more leeway, as long as you invite readers to read on.

April 11, 2018 at 11:05 am

Thanks! Always finding a question that can’t be answered no is tough, so I’m glad to read that inviting along once they’ve arrive is also good.

April 11, 2018 at 11:23 am

When trying to think of the right question, think of your ideal reader (or buyer persona). Only your ideal reader has to say (or think) YES. It doesn’t matter if people outside your target audience say NO. The question acts as a filter, so you only attract the right people.

My first sentence could have been: “Struggling to write a compelling first sentence?” The blog post isn’t written for the people who think NO, so it’s okay if the question makes them click away.

April 10, 2018 at 9:45 pm

Ironic, I was just studying ‘first lines’ myself! And the common theme was…”make it inviting”. Not iconic. Exactly what you’ve said here. If it happens to get that label, fine. That’s out of our control. But we can write a sentence that makes a reader curious enough to keep going.

April 11, 2018 at 10:02 am

What a coincidence!

I like the suggestion that your first sentence doesn’t need to be iconic. My feeling is that a first sentence can’t even be iconic. It’s the book that makes famous opening lines so memorable. For instance, a lot of people say “Call me Ishmael” is their favorite first line. I haven’t read Moby Dick (yes, I know, something wrong in my education), so I don’t get at all why that first sentence would be so good. It’s the book that makes the line memorable.

April 10, 2018 at 9:32 pm

Great one, Henneke! It’s far better to have trouble thinking of a great opening line, than it is to think you ARE writing one and be wrong! Haha! I think your great suggestions also could apply to the excerpt we might apply when sharing on social media. If we are sharing an excerpt, the opening line of the article might not appear for the viewer. It’s something to think about. I have a couple of questions, though. For the loyal repeat reader, would the constant use of a startling or a questioning first line become tiresome? If we use a question for the title, is it redundant to use one for the opening line? So far my most-visited posts have straight-forward titles and first lines. I’m excited to see what I can drum up with the new, improved versions.

April 11, 2018 at 9:59 am

I think the key is the word that Stephen King uses: inviting. As long as your opening sentence (or opening question) invites the reader to start reading, it doesn’t become tiresome. But if you try to be too clever or repeat a similar phrase too often, then it might become tiresome to loyal readers.

I try mixing it up. Sometimes using questions, sometimes inviting statements.

If you have a question for the title, then the opening line could be a follow on question but it can be an inviting sentence, too.

April 10, 2018 at 8:58 pm

Hi Henneke, Every time i read your posts, i learn so much. Thanks for doing such a great job always.

April 10, 2018 at 9:15 pm

Thank you so much, Sola. I appreciate your compliment 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 8:06 pm

Even as I clicked the link I found myself thinking “this time for sure she’ll let me down” even while a chuckle escaped my lips as once again I was caught up from the first sentence.

I’d hate to disappoint you, Marie. I’m glad I didn’t 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 7:53 pm

Henneke –

Thanks. I enjoyed the Stephen King article.

I especially like the tip to start with a question? Although I’ve discovered editors do not like this approach because it often gets edited out.

What do you think?

BTW, you reminded my favorite opening line fail: “It goes with saying …

April 10, 2018 at 9:14 pm

That is a fantastic fail. I wish I had thought of that 🙂

With editors, I think it’s a matter of style and education. Editors with a journalism or academic background may have different views on what sounds right. But blogging is quite different from academic writing or newspaper reporting.

I just checked my old Copyblogger posts, and more than half of them start with a question, so their editors haven’t edited the questions out.

April 10, 2018 at 9:19 pm

Yes, that makes sense. Those were editors with traditional print magazine backgrounds.

Copyblogger is one of my reference points too. 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 6:39 pm

I loved reading this article, and have shared it with my writers! We forget that first impressions count, both in life and in the world of words!

April 10, 2018 at 9:09 pm

Thank you so much for sharing, Shane. And yes, first impressions count 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 5:03 pm

I’ve always loved your posts. This one included. In signature Henneke style you deal with this worthwhile topic with perfection! That was going to be my opening line. But now that you’ve reminded me of the importance of brevity, I’m thinking that it may have been too long to grab you. 🙂 Your description of changing things up when you feel you’re getting into a first-sentence-pattern resonates with me. I was horrified when my partner said “It’s good…but why do you always start the same?” after reading a blog post I’d written. That was my wake-up call to watch out for those sneaky little patterns that try to park themselves in our writers’ brain!!

April 10, 2018 at 9:08 pm

It’s really easy for a sneaky pattern to go on repeat. It has worked and you know it works, so you keep doing it. I think it happens to all of us from time to time.

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Lee.

April 10, 2018 at 4:33 pm

April 10, 2018 at 4:50 pm

Thank you, Stephen. Was there something specific that appealed to you?

April 10, 2018 at 4:29 pm

Although I agree we need to get people’s attention, I’ve changed how I write for the web. I used to try to write clever opening lines and titles in my blog posts, but changed all that for better SEO. According to my SEO app (Yoast) the opening line of a blog post, post title, subtitles, and also YouTube videos and video descriptions (according to YouTube’s own best practices guidelines) has to contain your keyword/key phrase. And that’s not usually the most eye-grabbing sentence. There really is no way around this unless you get lucky with your keyword/key phrase.

I also use the Yoast app for SEO. This allows me to write two blog title versions – a slightly more interesting version that you see at the top of the blog post (How to Captivate Hurried Readers with a Magic Opening Line), and a keyword-focused version specifically for SEO. In the case of this blog post, the SEO version is: How to Write a Good Opening Sentence (With Examples).

I’m no SEO expert, but I don’t think it’s necessary to have your keyword in the very first sentence; just the first paragraph is okay. Even so, I still often ignore this rule and Yoast still gives me a “green light.” I seem to get good rankings as long as I tick a few of the SEO boxes but not necessarily all.

April 10, 2018 at 6:48 pm

It’s definitely an area I struggle with, but the results (especially on YouTube) speak for themselves. Possibly because I write/create videos more about tech stuff. And I use other tools than Yoast for YouTube SEO. Maybe writing in a non-boring way while keeping SEO happy, is a good topic for a future blog post.

April 10, 2018 at 9:11 pm

I can imagine YouTube is different and I have no experience there. But I can write about the balance between readers vs SEO for blog writing. I’ve noted it down. Thank you for the idea 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 3:54 pm

Yes, the dreaded opening stumps me too. I love your examples, Henneke. Even Stephen King gets stumped. (I feel better).

“It was a dark and stormy night” is so famous (and bad) it inspired an annual fiction contest. Would be fun to give it a try this year. What do you think? http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/

April 10, 2018 at 4:41 pm

That contest sounds like so much fun. We have until the end of June to enter 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 6:07 pm

Okay, I’m marking my calendar. We’ll put bad intro writing to the test 🙂

I’ve marked my calendar, too. Let’s do it 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 2:52 pm

Brilliant! Thank you.

April 10, 2018 at 3:15 pm

Thank you, Shirley 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 1:00 pm

Great post. And great opening line too!

I can see what you did there 😉 You voice your own discomfort about writing opening lines, and hey presto, you’ve got an excellent opening!

Emotion and authenticity: works every time.

April 10, 2018 at 1:05 pm

It was definitely authentic. I was seriously feeling the pressure and was thinking to myself, “I really don’t want to write this first sentence.” And that’s when I wondered how I could skip it 🙂

I like how you phrase the combination: emotion and authenticity.

Thank you for adding your thoughts, Bart 🙂

April 10, 2018 at 12:27 pm

Another great post from you! It is indeed difficult to strum up an opening line – be it an email or a blog post.

I noticed an error in an otherwise amazing write-up and thought I’ll let you know – The ‘Cather’ in the Rye.

Keep writing brilliant stuff!

Best, Vinita

April 10, 2018 at 12:37 pm

Oops. Good catch. Thank you for letting me know. I’ve corrected it.

April 10, 2018 at 11:59 am

Henneke, you’re a mind reader! I was wrestling with the opening of a short post and strayed towards my inbox to distract myself and there I see your email titled “how to write a magic opening line …” !! Thank you for compiling great and lousy openings, as it would’ve taken me years to do this myself 🙂 Awesome!

April 10, 2018 at 12:04 pm

Yes, I’m a mind reader 😉

I’m glad the post came at exactly the right time for you.

By the way, another trick is to write your first line last.

Happy writing, Syed!

April 10, 2018 at 11:54 am

April 10, 2018 at 12:03 pm

April 10, 2018 at 11:51 am

I never paid attention to the opening lines until three years ago when a content manager at a company told me to entice readers a little with the opening line of the blog post.

The best part is that I did experiments with different versions of the opening lines.

I figured out that it’s an art, meaning, you have to understand the nuances — you should be enticing the readers by giving something away and holding some part of the story to keep them reading.

I’ve experimented with questions, short-sentences, and telling a story right away at the beginning of the article.

I must say it’s important to put out the right words/lines to get started with your article.

Great topic and article. Thank you.

I totally agree with you on experimentation. I try not to get stuck with one type of opening lines as it feels like it becomes too predictable. I’m not sure readers would notice if they read a post every other week. But when it feels to me like I’ve used a particular technique too often, I try something different.

Thank you for adding your thoughts. I appreciate it.

April 11, 2018 at 1:59 pm

I’m glad to hear that.

April 10, 2018 at 10:35 am

‘Remember your reader’ — great , genuine advice!

I often start my intros with a question mark, it gets readers interested to hear more…

April 10, 2018 at 11:22 am

Yep, “remember your reader” is the essence of good writing (but it’s easy to forget).

Thank you for stopping by, Codrut! 🙂

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Table of Contents

How to Write a Great Opening Sentence

Examples of great first sentences (and how they did it), how to write a strong opening sentence & engage readers (with examples).

“I’ve never met you, but I’m gonna read your mind.”

That’s the opening line to The Scribe Method . It does what great opening sentences should: it immediately captures the reader’s attention. It makes them want to read more.

The purpose of a good opening line is to engage the reader and get them to start reading the book. That’s it.

It’s a fairly simple idea, and it works very well—but there are still a lot of misconceptions about book openings .

Many first-time Authors think they have to shock the reader to make them take note.

That’s not true. There are many ways to hook a reader that don’t require shocking them.

I also see Authors who think the purpose of the first paragraph is to explain what they’ll talk about in the book .

Not only is that wrong, it’s boring.

Readers can sense bullshit a mile away, so don’t try to beat them over the head with shock. Don’t give them a tedious summary. Don’t tell your life story. Don’t go into too much detail.

Use your first sentence to connect to the reader and make them want to keep reading.

This guide will help you write a great opening line so you can establish that authenticity and connection quickly.

Everyone knows some of the great opening lines from fiction novels:

“Call me Ishmael.” – Herman Melville, Moby Dick
“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
“Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” – Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

The common thread between these opening lines is that they create a vivid first impression. They make the reader want to know more.

They’re punchy, intriguing, and unexpected.

The first words of a nonfiction book work the same way. You want to create an emotional connection with the reader so they can’t put the book down.

In some ways, nonfiction Authors even have an advantage. They’re writing about themselves and their knowledge while having a conversation with the reader.

They can establish the connection even more immediately because they don’t have to set a fictional scene. They can jump right in and use the first person “I.”

Let’s go back to The Scribe Method ‘s opening paragraph:

I’ve never met you, but I’m gonna read your mind. Not literally, of course. I’m going to make an educated guess about why you want to write a book.

When you read that, at a minimum, you’re going to think, “All right, dude, let’s see if you really know why I want to write a book .” And you’re going to keep reading.

At best, you’re going to think, “Wow. He’s inside my head right now.” And you’re going to keep reading.

In both cases, I’ve managed to create an emotional connection with the reader. Even if that emotion is skepticism, it’s enough to hook someone.

So where do you start when you’re writing your book ? How do you form that connection?

The best hooks usually start in the middle of the highest intensity.

In other words, lead with the most emotional part of the story.

If you’re starting your book with a story about how you got chased by the police, don’t begin with what you had for breakfast that day. Start with the chase.

A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader.

Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don’t think you can say, but you still want to say.

Like, “This book will change your life.”

Or, “I’ve come up with the most brilliant way anyone’s ever found for handling this problem.”

Your opening sentence isn’t the time for modesty (as long as you can back it up!).

You want to publish a book for a reason . Now’s your chance to show a reader why they should want to read it.

That doesn’t mean you have to be cocky. You just have to be honest and engaging.

When you’re trying to come up with a great opening line, ask yourself these 3 things:

What will the audience care about, be interested in, or be surprised by?
What is the most interesting story or inflammatory statement in your book?
What do you have to say that breaks the rules?

The best opening lines are gut punches.

They summarize the book, at least in an oblique way. But they’re not dry facts. They’re genuine, behind-the-scenes glimpses into a human life. They establish who you are and what you’re about, right from the beginning.

Human beings respond to genuine connection. That means being vulnerable. You have to break down any barriers that you might usually keep around you.

That’s one of the hardest things to do as an Author, but it makes for a great book.

Reading about perfection is boring, especially because we all know there’s no such thing.

In the next section, I’ll go through examples of great first sentences and explain why they work.

Every one of these strategies helps create an instant, authentic connection with readers. You just have to pick the one that makes the most sense for your book.

1. Revealing Personal Information

When most people think about comedian Tiffany Haddish, they think of a glamorous celebrity.

They don’t think about a kid who had trouble in school because she had an unstable home life, reeked of onions, and struggled with bullying.

From the first line of her book, Tiffany reveals that you’re going to learn things about her that you don’t know—personal things.

I mean, really personal.

The book’s opening story concludes with her trying to cut a wart off her face because she was teased so much about it (that’s where the “unicorn” nickname came from).

That level of personal connection immediately invites the reader in. It promises that the Author is going to be honest and vulnerable, no holds barred.

This isn’t going to be some picture-perfect memoir. It’s going to be real, and it’s going to teach you something.

And that’s what forms a connection.

2. Mirroring the Reader’s Pain

Geoffrey and I chose this opening sentence because it let readers know right away that we know their pain.

Not only that, we knew how to fix it .

If a reader picked up the book and didn’t connect to that opening line, they probably weren’t our target audience.

But if someone picked it up and said, “This is exactly what I want to know!” we already had them hooked.

They would trust us immediately because we proved in the first sentence that we understood them.

In this sentence, Geoffrey and I are positioned as the experts. People are coming to us for help.

But you can also mirror your reader’s pain more directly. Check out this example from Jennifer Luzzato’s book, Inheriting Chaos with Compassion :

That’s a gut punch for anyone. But it’s an even bigger one for Jennifer’s target audience: people who unexpectedly lose a loved one and are left dealing with financial chaos.

Jennifer isn’t just giving the reader advice.

She’s showing that she’s been through the pain. She understands it. And she’s the right person to help the reader solve it.

3. Asking the Reader a Question

Readers come to nonfiction books because they want help solving a problem.

If you picked up a book about team-building, culture, and leadership, you likely want answers to some questions.

Daniel Coyle’s book shows the reader, right off the bat, that he’s going to give you answers.

His question also isn’t a boring, how-do-organizations-work type of question.

It’s compelling enough to make you keep reading, at least for a few more sentences. And then ideally, a few sentences, pages, and chapters after that.

Starting with a question is often a variation on tactic number 2.

If the reader picked up your book hoping to solve a certain problem or learn how to do something, asking them that compelling question can immediately show them that you understand their pain.

It can set the stage for the whole book.

You can also pique the reader’s interest by asking them a question they’ve never thought about.

Nicholas Kusmich ‘s book Give starts with the question,

It’s a unique question that hooks a reader.

But the answer still cuts straight to the heart of his book: “Both entrepreneurs and superheroes want to use their skills to serve people and make the world a better place.”

The unexpected framing gives readers a fresh perspective on a topic they’ve probably already thought a lot about.

4. Shock the Reader

I said in the intro to this post that you don’t have to shock the reader to get their attention.

I never said you couldn’t .

If you’re going to do it, though, you have to do it well.

This is the best opening to a book I’ve ever read. I’m actually a dog person, so this shocked the hell out of me. It was gripping.

As you read, the sentence starts making more sense, but it stays just as shocking. And you can’t help but finish the page and the chapter to understand why. But my God, what a way to hook a reader (in case you are wondering, the dogs were licking up blood from dead bodies and giving away the soldiers’ positions to insurgents. They had to kill the dogs or risk being discovered).

I read this opening sentence as part of an excerpt from the book on Business Insider .

I plowed through the excerpt, bought the book on Kindle, canceled two meetings, and read the whole book.

5. Intrigue the Reader

If you don’t read that and immediately want to know what the realization was, you’re a force to be reckoned with.

People love reading about drama, screw-ups, and revelations. By leading with one, Will immediately intrigues his readers.

They’ll want to keep reading so they can solve the mystery. What was the big deal?

I’m not going to tell you and spoil the fun. You’ll have to check out Will’s book to find out.

There are other ways to be intriguing, too. For example, see the opening line to Lorenzo Gomez’ Cilantro Diaries :

Again, the Author is setting up a mystery.

He wants the reader to rack his brain and say, “Well, if it’s not the famous stuff, what is it?”

And then, when Lorenzo gets to the unexpected answer—the H-E-B grocery store—they’re even more intrigued.

Why would a grocery store make someone’s top-ten list, much less be the thing they’d miss most?

That kind of unexpected storytelling is perfect for keeping readers engaged.

The more intrigue you can create, the more they’ll keep turning the pages.

6. Lead with a Bold Claim

There are thousands of books about marketing. So, how does an Author cut through the noise?

If you’re David Allison, you cut right to the chase and lead with a bold claim.

You tell people you’re going to change the world. And then you tell them you have the data to back it up.

If your reader is sympathetic, they’re going to jump on board. If they’re skeptical, they’re still going to want to see if David’s claim holds up.

Here’s the thing, though: only start bold if you can back it up.

Don’t tell someone you’re going to transform their whole life and only offer a minor life hack. They’ll feel cheated.

But if you’re really changing the way that people think about something, do something, or feel about something, then lead with it.

Start big. And then prove it.

7. Be Empathetic and Honest

One Last Talk is one of the best books we’ve ever done at Scribe. And it shows right from the first sentence.

Philip starts with a bold claim: “If you let it, this book will change your life.”

But then he gives a caveat: it’s not going to be fun.

That’s the moment when he forms an immediate connection with the reader.

Many Authors will tell their readers, “This book will change your life. It’s going to be incredible! Just follow these steps and be on your way!”

Not many Authors will lead with, “It’s going to be worth it, but it’s going to be miserable.”

By being this upfront about the emotional work the book involves, Philip immediately proves to his readers that he’s honest and empathetic.

He understands what they’re going to go through. And he can see them through it, even if it sucks.

One piece of advice we give at Scribe is to talk to your reader like you’re talking to a friend.

Philip does that. And it shows the reader they’re dealing with someone authentic.

8. Invite the Reader In

Joey starts the book by speaking directly to the reader.

He immediately creates a connection and invites the reader in. This makes the book feel more like a conversation between two people than something written by a nameless, faceless Author.

The reason this tactic works so well is because Joey’s whole book is about never losing a customer.

He immediately puts the book’s principles into action.

From the first sentence, Joey’s demonstrating exactly what the reader is there to learn.

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Dramatic Opening Sentences: 25+ Examples and Ideas

by Michael Lydon

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. –Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

“Tom!” No Answer “Tom!” No Answer. ‘ “What’s Gone with that boy, I wonder. You TOM! No answer. –Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…. –Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. –J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Writing dramatic opening sentences, I’ve learned from long experience, can be tough.

Writing an opening sentence about writing an opening sentence can be tougher still, and it’s next to impossible to write an opening sentence about writing an opening sentence about writing an opening sentence! Help!

There glows the computer screen, blank and courteously bland, awaiting your command.

You could start with a close up:

Betty stared at her scratchy fingernails; she should have trimmed them before the interview.

—or with a long distant shot:

The prairie stretched out over endless miles of grassy emptiness.

Why not try a snatch of dialogue?:

“No, I’m not going out with you tonight, tomorrow, never in a million years!”

—or a private thought:

John shook his head in disbelief—she just doesn’t get it, not a bit of it.

Reporters often put opening sentences, which they call “ledes,” in one of two categories: first, the who-what-where-when-why lede that gets all the basic info into the opening sentence:

At last night’s Parks Department board meeting, Joe Smith, the department chairman for twenty years, angrily announced his retirement this September.

—and second, using a literary device (such as this rhetorical example below) to transform a standard lede into something more lively:

Joe Smith? Retire? You’re kidding me! Nobody knows our parks like Joe Smith knows our parks. But alas, it’s true. He’ll be gone in a month.

But whether you are a reporter, a novelist or a biographer—the primary goal of a first sentence remains the same: to get the reader to read the second sentence! And then the third, fourth, fifth one after that, and on into the body of the book.

Think of your opening sentence as a fish hook: whatever will get the glistening trout flip-flopping in your canoe, that’s the one to use.

Yet there’s no hard and fast rule that declares that this opening sentence works and that one doesn’t.

Brevity is generally a good rule of thumb, but to open my big biography of Ray Charles I used a rather long sentence:

For a hundred miles west of the Atlantic coast, the land of northern Florida lies flat as a floor covered by a thick rug of gray-green vegetation

—because I knew I was beginning a long book and wanted readers to accept my marathoner’s pace.

Like a friendly smile or a pat on the back, a good opening sentence is touched with warm, soul-to-soul magic.

What works for one writer or for one book may not work for another.

From the many superb opening sentences that you Write-the-Worlders submitted, here are a few that hooked me, though I’d find it hard to say why.

What was the point of continuing the fight? Would it even make a point? –Thelonelypizzaroll (Australia)

The young girl sat with an expression of someone who had seen more than anyone should see. –TheLittleElephant23 (United States)

Darkness is bewitching and full of enchanting possibilities, when you have only yourself for company,” the girl scribbled into her diary… –Piku (India)

I never expected such a wild side of somebody so plain to even exist. Her mousy-brown hair and eyes, paired with the short frame and glasses had always led me to believe that nothing even remotely interesting could be associated with a girl so…boring. –gabriellew (Australia)

It’s just short of a well known fact that every child hates going back to school, but adults still swear it’s good for us and wake us by whatever means necessary to get us there on time. –Abigail (United States)

The lights shut off two months ago, and the world was too afraid of the night to turn them back on. –aryelee (United States)

To tell this story, I must begin with my mother. –Kate Gardner

In the house by the meadow, there were a thousand open doors. –Kate Gardner

Why? Why, the only word that came to mind. The only word I could remember. Why me? Why was it that I was alone. I couldn’t fathom why it was me, not him, nor her but me. –Geysensei (Australia)

The day the sun took the moon’s place was the day the world went absolutely bonkers. –omicron7889 (Hong Kong)

If you think raining cats and dogs is just an expression then you definitely haven’t seen my life yet. –omicron7889 (Hong Kong)

“Why can’t you say something else?” he asked me, “Why are you always so negative?” –hk47isme (United States)

Hassan was a kind and loyal boy, but he created an uneasy tension everywhere he went. –Nicolas Baroja (Spain)

I eat dogs for breakfast, cats for lunch, snakes for dinner, and, sometimes, beetles for midnight snack. –Worriedwiredweirdo (Phillipines)

Why do I love these opening sentences? For many reasons that aren’t so easy to pin down.

A sharp insight into life and the human heart, for one thing.

A wicked sense of humor is another. Omicron7889’s “If you think raining cats and dogs is just an expression then you definitely haven’t seen my life yet” made me laugh out loud, and I’m sure I’ll use it soon in conversation.

Worriedwiredweirdo’s daily diet of dog, cat, snakes, and beetles got a hearty “Yu-u-u-k!” out of me just as, I figure, Worriedwiredweirdo hoped it would.

Kate Gardner’s “To tell this story, I must begin with my mother” instantly gives me the feel, “Oh, this is a book I can settle down to read on a rainy night by the fire. Abigail’s “It’s just short of a well known fact that every child hates going back to school” reminds me of Jane Austen’s famous “It is a truth universally acknowledged…”

All of these opening sentences awaken my curiosity: why did Hassan create tension when he seemed so kind and loyal? The sun took the moon’s place—when, how, why did that catastrophe happen? I’ve just got to know!

By waking my curiosity, each sentence connects me to the “what’s going to happen next?” energy of the narrative, and soon enough, by trying to answer Geysensei’s endless “whys,” I’m hooked, charging through the chapters to find out if the mysterious stranger with the crooked scar is my friend or a—eeeek!!!— deadly foe.

About Michael Lydon

Michael Lydon is a writer and musician who lives in New York City. Author of many books, among them Rock Folk , Boogie Lightning , Ray Charles: Man and Music, and Writing and Life . A founding editor of Rolling Stone, Lydon has written for many periodicals as well, the Atlantic Monthly, New York Times, and Village Voice. He is also a songwriter and playwright and, with Ellen Mandel, has composed an opera, Passion in Pigskin. A Yale graduate, Lydon is a member of ASCAP, AFofM local 802, and on the faculty of St. John’s University.

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Novel writing ,

Opening lines for a story (great, effective & bad examples).

By Harry Bingham

What’s great & effective? What’s downright bad? Real Examples From Real Writers.

Recently, we ran a competition soliciting opening lines or sentences from real writers, with a small prize available for the winner. We’re going to look at some examples drawn from that competition… along with my own (hyper-picky) comments about what’s really good, and really effective. And what’s just a bit… not so good.

Before we plunge into our sentence surgery, three quick comments.

First, the examples that follow are drawn from writers writing real novels (or short stories). They are, like you, serious aspiring writers, but not yet published. For the most part, we were looking at works-in-progress, so these examples were all subject to change anyway.

Second, opening sentences don’t matter all that much. The opening paragraph of the novel I’ve just handed to my publisher ran, in its entirety, as follows:

‘Rain.’

Was that a good opening line for a novel? Well, no one asked me to change it, but does that sentence hook a reader in? And hook them into a story set in Wales, where the presence of rain hardly merits much discussion? I don’t think so.

The fact is that the process of hooking a reader usually takes longer than a sentence and writers shouldn’t obsess unduly about the stuff above and to the left of the manuscript’s first full stop. There’ll be plenty more full stops to come.

And last: I’m horrible.

I mean, yes, I’m nice to widows, orphans and stray dogs, but I’m horrible to slightly iffy sentences. I’m very picky and my standards are high. So if some of my could-do-better commentary below depresses you – well, forget it. It’s not you. It’s me. But if you want to learn how to write opening sentences, then you probably want to look at what follows…

How To Write A Good Opening Line:

Full stops are your friends. Short, clear sentences will grab your readers’ attention.
Use language that will add weight to your sentences.
Use your verbs correctly, and your adjectives sparingly.
Opening lines don’t have to be loud, subtlety is just as effective.

Opening Lines To Novels / Short Stories: Examples

So much for the preamble. Now for the sentences. (No authors are named because very few of the sentences I had had named authors on the page.)

Example #1 ‘There were just three things that Samine was certain of in her life; first she was dangerous; second, she was never allowed to leave her room and, third, the spirit of a dragon lived inside her.’

Not bad , though it’s a little too close to Stephenie Meyer’s now famed three-part quote from Bella Swan in Twilight . Still, you can see what the author is wanting to do and the idea itself is fine. Here’s one way of tweaking things without altering anything too much (though it brings it still closer to Stephenie Meyer’s phrasing):

There were just three things that Samine knew for certain. First she was dangerous. Second, she was never allowed to leave her room. Third, a dragon lived inside her.

That’s shorter, clearer. It’s also better weighted. The key word in the first part of the writer’s sentence is “certain”. The addition of “in her life” doesn’t add much meaning but it does de-emphasise “certain”. My formulation is that bit clearer about where the interest of the sentence lies.

One other thing, I’m not sure if this is the place to reveal that Samine can’t leave her room. The middle of one of the three certainties doesn’t tie obviously to the other two and feels a bit different. (#1 and #3 feel like existential statements; #2 feels like a simple, known fact.) But if the middle of those three statements goes, then the whole opening needs reconsideration.

Example #2 ‘The most ironic thing about your first impression of me – I looked like butter wouldn’t melt.’

Interesting. I almost like this.

My only real worry is that “the most ironic thing” bit. It feels a bit like a teenage use of ironic, which is perhaps not correct given the context, but in any case, I do wonder if there aren’t simpler, less laboured ways of doing the same thing. Suppose, for example, we just said this:

Your first impression of me: I looked like butter wouldn’t melt.

That is surely strongly suggesting that that first impression might be way off base, yet it conveys that impression by making the reader do most of the work. As a rough guide, the more the reader feels they’ve made a deduction, the more powerful that conclusion will feel.

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Example #3 ‘He’s stalking behind the disused factory, waiting for the flapping of wings to alert him to where you are.’

You remember when I said I’m pedantic?

To stalk is a transitive verb, that is, it requires an object. I stalk you , etc., I don’t just stalk in the abstract. So that first clause feels a bit uncomfortable.

And “alert him to where you are” also feels a little bit strained. Wouldn’t “alert him to your position” read better? And the double participle (waiting for the flapping) seems a bit needless here. But you only need a little tweaking and this is a strong, engaging opening:

He’s searching you out behind the disused factory, waiting for a sudden flap of wings to reveal your position.

That’s better.

(Oh, you want to delete the word “sudden” from that? Yes, that’s probably better.”)

Example #4 ‘The house had something American Gothic about it, though nothing it was minded to share.’

Nothing to pick at, except that me personally I’d probably sooner say “had something of the American Gothic …”. But it’s a great, subtle opening. I like it a lot.

Example #5 ‘What do you pack when you have four minutes to leave your husband?’

Again, that’s great opening line.

Oh, and you want to know why that sentence works as well as it does? It’s because it makes you do a double-take. The first part of the sentence makes you think, “oh, this is a question about packing…”

The second part makes you go, “whaaaaaat?!” It’s that mid-sentence pivot that gives it wellie.

It’s also nice, because it instantly launches the reader into two important story-questions. Not just “why is this woman leaving her husband?”, but “why does she only have four minutes?”

Of those two questions, it’s the second one that has the greater bite. Marriages collapsing are (unfortunately) a rather everyday occurrence. Marriages that collapse and give the wife just one minute to get away – well! We want to know more.

Example #6 ‘My mother’s shroud was a grubby net curtain and her coffin was a gun case.’

You like that, don’t you?

Yes, and it’s almost terrific.

But I don’t like that word “grubby”, at all. It pulls attention away from “net curtain” and the use of a net curtain for a shroud is quite striking enough irrespective of whether it’s grubby. Just delete the adjective. The sentence gets instantly stronger

Also, I hope this writers is about to tell us how come the gun case was big enough to fit a mother. I mean, that’s a very large case, or a remarkably small mother. So long as the author explains that niggle sometime soon, that’s fine, and (once you’ve deleted that “grubby”) it’s a good opening line.

Example #7 ‘It was not a good day to bury a child, let alone ‘The Chosen One’, and the more Thomas Cowper tried to console his mother the more she sobbed, ‘Fear not, Mary… Blessed art thou amongst women.’

I’m afraid I don’t rate this as an opening line. It’s almost good, but gets itself into a tangle, then trips over itself.

And the thing is, the best bit of this sentence is the very opening and the longer it goes on the more the writer overwrites that clean and striking opening.

Some full stops would help:

It was not a good day to bury a child, let alone ‘The Chosen One’. The more Thomas Cowper tried to console his mother the more she sobbed. ‘Fear not, Mary … Blessed art thou amongst women.’

That’s already a lot better. Even so, I’m not completely happy. That opening line now has real merit and launches plenty of story questions (why is this a bad day? Why is a child being buried? Why is this child The Chosen One?)

So if it were me, I’d leave the reader dangling a bit more, before starting to answer the questions they really cared about.

So I’d run with the first question (why is this a bad day?), and just answer it with a description of winds and rain. Mourners getting soaked. Rain on the preacher’s Bible. That kind of thing.

And this approach would work because I’m pretending to answer the questions I opened up with my first sentence … but not the ones the reader really cares about. It’s like the reader is yelling at me, WHY ARE YOU BURYING THIS CHILD? and all I’m doing is explaining why the day is a bad one. I’ve basically created suspense already, and my description of the weather is just keeeeping that suspense going for longer.

Example #8 ‘Deano’s hair was still wet from the pool and he swept his palm over his scalp trying to chase off the cold. ‘Come on, cock-snot. Pick up. Please.’’

Okay, I very much like the dialogue.

I like the contrast with the more formal opening line. The writing itself is fine. Just… I don’t quite believe the gesture you’re telling us about.

When people get out of the pool their hair is normally already very flat and smoothed from the water. You definitely can’t chase cold away by palming your already flat hair and it’s not even a gesture most of us feel tempted to make. If he’s cold, he grabs a towel, or moves into the sun, or does something other than what you tell us he’s done.

Picky? Yes. But getting those kinds of details utterly convincing from the off is part of what gets a reader into the story. Here, you do get the reader in, but you’ve done so with a tiny – and needless – stutter upfront.

Example #9 ‘The hands on the clock didn’t seem to move, unlike mine as I drummed and fidgeted on the table.’

Hmm, this is okay, but it’s not quite good.

The hands-not-moving-on-the-clock isn’t a cliche exactly, but it is a very familiar idea. Likewise fidgeting hands: also a very standard way of conveying impatience. Further into a novel, those kind of issues dissolve a little bit. Sometimes it’s just quicker and cleaner to reach for the familiar, so the novel can hurry onto wherever it’s heading. But in an opening sentence, I think any whiff of cliche threatens a reader’s trust, and you need to extirpate it completely. As I say, there isn’t an out-and-out cliche here, but I do think you’re cycling a little too close to the edge.

My verdict? Rethink this sentence from scratch.

Example #10 ‘The cat barked.’

Everyone will want to read on to see what follows. Purrfect. That’s a terrific opening line.

Example #11 ‘The fucking train is cancelled. Again.’

Yep, good – cancelled trains as a sign of commuter distress is well-used, however, so I hope the writer has an interesting way to develop the incident. I would be disappointed in an opening page that just rehearsed the various woes of the commuter – but we’re on sentences here, not pages, and the sentence itself is fine.

And finally:

Example #12 ‘I had not been awake long, when I heard the knock on the door, I opened it and saw Sheriff Dennis Munroe on the porch, he stood a little over five foot six, but gave the appearance of being almost cubic he weighed over two hundred and fifty pounds and had arms like a bear, thick, powerful and covered in coarse black hair.’

Here’s one of those ‘sentences’ which is begging to be carved up. A few full stops instantly make this a mile better:

I had not been awake long, when I heard the knock on the door. I opened it and saw Sheriff Dennis Munroe on the porch. He stood a little over five foot six, but gave the appearance of being almost cubic. He weighed over two hundred and fifty pounds and had arms like a bear, thick, powerful and covered in coarse black hair.

That’s a relief already, only a few remaining niggles really.

Using Munroe’s full name doesn’t seem right, since the narrator clearly knows the guy, and we don’t think of people as know as Title Firstname Lastname. Yes, you may want to give us Munroe’s full name in due course, but you don’t have to do it here.

Secondly, that last sentence has four and s in it. That feels awkward, especially so early in the book.

Third, how does the narrator know what Munroe weighs? I mean, the sheriff is clearly a fellow who likes his meat and potatoes, but that’s different from knowing someone’s measured weight. I’m not convinced.

And finally, a minor thing, I have a hesitation about ‘I opened it’: it’s just that you’re narrating every tiny incident, even those we take for granted. Better to take a slightly less blow-by-blow approach.

Something like this, maybe:

It was early, when Sheriff Munroe came calling. He stood at my door, five feet six and almost cubic. He must weigh close to two hundred and fifty pounds, and he has the arms of a bear: thick, powerful and profusely hairy.

I know that last sentence still has three ands, but the restructuring helps the rhythm, at least to my ear. And it’s so much shorter! It has the exact same content as the first sentence, but compresses it into a much shorter space. Result: much more energy per pound – and a much more compelling story.

Best Opening Lines: The Winner

There, we’re all done. If I must pick a winner, I’ll go for:

‘What do you pack when you have four minutes to leave your husband?’

‘The house had something [of the] American Gothic about it, though nothing it was minded to share.’

I like both of those. The second is a bit more literary; the first is a terrific opening line for a psychological thriller, or something of that sort. They’re both excellent.

And One Last Comment On Story Openings

The thing to remember?

That your opening line it doesn’t really matter. The opening sentences for my five Fiona Griffiths novels are:

#1: Beyond the window, I can see three kites hanging in the air over Bute Park.

#2: It’s a Friday afternoon.

#3: I like the police force.

#5: ‘Well?’

None of those are good opening sentences (though none of them are terrible). And, in most cases, it doesn’t take long to get something that puts a scrap of meat on the reader’s dish. The opening paragraph to my second Fi Griffiths novel, for example, goes like this:

Example: Love Story, with Murders It’s a Friday afternoon. October, but you wouldn’t think so. High clouds scudding in from the west and plenty of sunshine. The last shreds of summer and never mind the falling leaves.

That last sentence already advertises a certain strength and confidence. The reader feels immediately placed in the mood of the story. Because the writing has that confident tone, the reader trusts me.

It’s as though they’re thinking, “OK, this is supposed to be a crime story. Nothing much seems to be happening yet, but I can tell this author knows what he’s doing, so I’ll stick with him and see what develops.”

An opening paragraph can do more if it wants to, but it really doesn’t have to. Notice that this opening para sets up nothing interesting about the character, the situation, or, indeed, even the weather. It just sets a scene and does so with confidence.

If your manuscript does that then, no matter how unshowy that opening sentence, you’re doing just fine.

Oh, and if you need a little more inspiration for your opening lines, check these out.

More than ready to get the ball rolling with agents, but just need a little push? Or perhaps you’ve had a few rejections but aren’t sure why? Our Agent Submission Pack Review gives you detailed professional advice on how to perfect your submission and increase your chances of securing an agent.

Happy writing – and happy editing!

About the author

Harry has written a variety of books over the years, notching up multiple six-figure deals and relationships with each of the world’s three largest trade publishers. His work has been critically acclaimed across the globe, has been adapted for TV, and is currently the subject of a major new screen deal. He’s also written non-fiction, short stories, and has worked as ghost/editor on a number of exciting projects. Harry also self-publishes some of his work, and loves doing so. His Fiona Griffiths series in particular has done really well in the US, where it’s been self-published since 2015. View his website , his Amazon profile , his Twitter . He's been reviewed in Kirkus, the Boston Globe , USA Today , The Seattle Times , The Washington Post , Library Journal , Publishers Weekly , CulturMag (Germany), Frankfurter Allgemeine , The Daily Mail , The Sunday Times , The Daily Telegraph , The Guardian , and many other places besides. His work has appeared on TV, via Bonafide . And go take a look at what he thinks about Blick Rothenberg . You might also want to watch our " Blick Rothenberg - The Truth " video, if you want to know how badly an accountancy firm can behave.

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How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences Recruiters Will LOVE

Wondering how to start a cover letter? Traditional cover letter wisdom might tell you to begin with something like, “Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the marketing manager position with the Thomas Company.” But we say: A cookie cutter cover letter intro feels as outdated as a Hotmail address.

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager—who you are, what you have to offer, and why you want the job—but you have an extremely limited amount of space to do it. If you really want to get noticed, you’ve got to start right off the bat with something that grabs your reader’s attention.

What do we mean? Well, we won’t just tell you, we’ll show you. Keep reading to find tips on how to start a cover letter, along with 30 creative cover letter opening lines and sentence examples.

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5 tips on how to start off a cover letter

Here are a few pointers to guide you as you use our example cover letter openings—we’re getting there, we promise!—to craft your own:

1. Avoid boring or overused openers

Recruiters have read cover letters that start with lines like “I’m excited to apply for the front-end engineering position,” or “Your job posting on The Muse prompted me to…” so often they could wallpaper their homes with them. While those are OK and still acceptable, you'll have a better shot at impressing potential employers with a less cliché opening line.

2. Be lively and personable

People like reading interesting, engaging stuff—the kind that paints a picture, tells a story, and maybe even makes them smile. People like it when you’re human, genuine, and memorable. So figure out something about yourself and your background that relates to the company or position you're interested in, and use that to build a connection.

3. Show what you bring the company

You’ll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, “This person can do something for us,” rather than, “This job would really help them.”

4. Stick to the point

Your opener, while creative, should still be relevant to the job. Don’t begin by highlighting an unrelated accomplishment or recounting an anecdote that never connects back to why you’re applying for the job. Part of writing an effective cover letter is curating key information that relates to that specific job opportunity and shows the reader that you're a good fit for the role.

5. Don't start with “To Whom It May Concern”

Find an alternative to “ To Whom It May Concern .” Seriously, banish those five words from your cover letter vocabulary forever. Nowadays, this phrase is seen as outdated, overused, and even rude—especially when better options exist.

30 cover letter opening sentence examples

We’ve come up with 30 creative cover letter opening sentence examples and separated them by the method they use to grab the reader’s attention. We don’t recommend copying and pasting because, well, your cover letter should be unique to your stories, background, and interests.

But you can most definitely use these examples to get inspired for your next application. (If you’re looking to see what an entire cover letter might look like, check out our article on the best cover letter examples for every type of job seeker .)

Start with passion

Employers want to hire people who care about what they’re doing. If you start your cover letter off talking about your passions and how they relate to the job, you’re telling the reader that you’ll be an engaged and motivated employee who’s likely to stick around. Plus, it’s a good way to tell the company a bit about who you are as a person right off the bat. Just be honest and realistic.

If truly loving data is wrong, I don’t want to be right. It seems like the rest of the folks at [Analytics Company] feel the same way—and that’s just one of the reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your sales team.

I’ve been giving my friends and family free style advice since I was 10, and recently decided it’s time I get paid for it. That’s why I couldn’t believe it when I found an open personal stylist position at [Company].

After about three years of trying out different roles at early-stage startups around San Francisco, watching more “ find your passion “ keynotes than I’d like to admit, and assuring my parents that, yes, I actually do have a real job, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m happiest when I’m doing two things: writing great content and getting it out into the world.

The other day, I took a career assessment , which told me I should be a maritime merchant. I’m not quite sure what that is, but it did get me thinking: A role that combines my skills in business development with my lifelong passion for the ocean would be my absolute dream. Which is how I found this role at Royal Caribbean.

As a kid, I once gave up a day of a family vacation to transport an injured lizard I found by our hotel two hours each way to the nearest animal hospital (and talked my dad into driving me pre-GPS!). When I was a bit older, I found out I could care for animals every day for a living, and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since.

I am constantly checking my LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds—and not because of FOMO. Because I’m someone who wholeheartedly believes in the power of sharing ideas in online communal spaces, and I’m positive that I can help spark meaningful conversations as your next social media assistant.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be one of those people who pretend to be statues on the street. Thankfully, my career goals have become a little more aspirational over the years, but I still love to draw a crowd and entertain the masses—passions that make me the perfect community manager.

Start with admiration

Companies often want to hire people who already know, love, eat, and sleep their brand. What better to kick off your cover letter than a little flattery? Of course, remember when you’re telling a company why you love it to be specific and genuine. Because while everyone likes a compliment, no one likes obvious self-serving B.S.

I pretty much spent my childhood in the cheap seats at Cubs games, snacking on popcorn and cheering on the team with my grandfather. It’s that memory that’s shaped my career—from helping to establish the sports marketing major at my university to leading a college baseball team to an undefeated season as assistant coach—and what led me to apply for this position at the Chicago Cubs.

It was Rudy, my Golden Retriever, who first inspired me to apply to your operations assistant opening—not only have we used your app to find other dogs to play with in our neighborhood, he’s really excited about the prospect of coming to work with me every day. As I learned more about how [Company] is using modern tech to help pets thrive in cities, I couldn’t help but get excited to be part of it, too.

Example 10:

When I was seven, I wanted to be the GEICO gecko when I grew up. I eventually realized that wasn’t an option, but you can imagine my excitement when I came across your events manager position, which would have me working side by side with my favorite company mascot.

Example 11:

When I attended SXSW for the first time last month, I didn’t want to leave. So I decided I shouldn’t—and immediately went to check out job openings at the company.

Example 12:

If I could make the NYC apartment rental process better for just one person, I would feel like the horrors of my recent search would all be worth it. So a customer service role at [Apartment Search Company], where I could do it every day? I can’t think of anything more fulfilling.

Example 13:

[Vacation Rental Company] is synonymous with luxury and escape, known for spaces that inspire. I’ve felt this firsthand every time I’ve stayed at one of your properties—whether I was throwing a bachelorette party or working from home in a new locale—and I would love the chance to contribute to this reputation as your destination manager.

Example 14:

I was an hour out from hosting my first big dinner party when I realized I had forgotten to pick up the white wine. In a panic, I started Googling delivery services, and that’s when I first stumbled across [Delivery Service Company]. I’ve been hooked ever since, so I couldn’t help but get excited by the idea of bringing this amazingness to nervous hosts like me as your next social media and community manager.

Example 15:

Though I’m happily employed as a marketing manager, seeing the job description for your company’s PR director position stopped me in my tracks. I’ve been wearing your glasses for many years, and have always been impressed by the way the company treats its customers, employees, and the community at large.

Example 16:

A group of us IT folks were sitting around talking about our favorite Pacific Northwest companies this morning (coincidentally, over coffee). As you might figure, Starbucks was among the first names that came up. What makes you such a standout among Seattle-based corporations? Here’s the list we compiled:

Start with accomplishments

For any given job, you’re going to be competing with a lot of other job seekers—presumably, a lot of other similarly qualified people. A great way to stand out in your cover letter is to highlight something about yourself—a character trait, an accomplishment, a really impressive skill—that’ll quickly show how you stand out.

Example 17:

My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably defuse an international hostage situation. I’ve always had a knack for communicating with people—the easygoing and the difficult alike—and I’d love to bring that skill to your open office manager position.

Example 18:

Among my colleagues, I’m known as the one who can pick up the pieces, no matter what amount of you-know-what hits the fan. Which is why I think there’s no one better to fill this customer service leader position.

Example 19:

Last December, I ousted our company’s top salesperson from his spot—and he hasn’t seen it since. Which means, I’m ready for my next big challenge, and the sales manager role at your company is exactly what I’m looking for.

Example 20:

After spending three years managing the internal communications for a 2,000-person company, I could plan a quarterly town hall or draft an interoffice memo in my sleep. What do I want to do next? Put that experience to work as a consultant for executives looking to level up their communications strategy.

Example 21:

While you won’t find the title “community manager” listed on my resume, I’ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.

Example 22:

If you’re looking for someone who can follow orders and doesn’t like to rock the boat, I’m probably not the right candidate. But if you need someone who can dig into data, see what’s working (and what’s not), and challenge the status quo, let’s talk.

Example 23:

I recently relocated my family to Texas. As we neared our new home, I noticed with intrigue the many wind turbines dotting the landscape. Suddenly, it hit me: “This is the career for me.” After unloading the moving van, I promptly researched companies in this sector that may benefit most from a skilled field engineer with expert electromechanical skills. And I discovered that [Company] is where I want to be.

Example 24:

You might be wondering what a 15-year veteran of the accounting world is doing applying to an operations role at a food startup. While I agree the shift is a little strange, I know you’re looking for someone who’s equal parts foodie and financial expert, and I think that means I’m your person.

Example 25:

Over the last 10 years, I’ve built my career on one simple principle: Work smarter. I’m the person who looks for inefficient procedures, finds ways to streamline them, and consistently strives to boost the productivity of everyone around me. It’s what’s earned me three promotions in the supply chain department at my current company, and it’s what I know I can do as the new operations analyst for [Company].

Start with humor and creativity

OK, before you read any of these, we have to stamp them with a big, blaring disclaimer: Do your homework before trying anything like this—learn everything you can about the company and the hiring manager to gauge whether or not they’d appreciate some comedic relief or a bit of snark. If it seems like they would, it’s a great way to make them smile (then call you). If they don’t? Try a different approach.

Example 26:

Have you ever had your mom call five times a day asking for a status update on how your job search is going, and then sound incredulous that you haven’t made more progress since the last phone call? That’s my life right now. But I’m hoping that soon my life will revolve around being your full-time social media manager. The good news is, I bring more to the table than just an overbearing mom. Let me tell you more.

Example 27:

Thank you so much for offering me the marketing manager position at [Company]! I wholeheartedly accept. OK, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, here are just a few ideas for what I would do once in the role.

Example 28:

I considered submitting my latest credit card statement as proof of just how much I love online shopping, but I thought a safer approach might be writing this cover letter and describing all the reasons I’m the one who can take [E-Commerce Company]’s business to the next level.

Example 29:

I never thought that accidentally dropping my iPhone out of a second story window would change my life (it’s a funny story—ask me about it). But thanks to my misfortune, I discovered [Phone Repair Company]—and found my dream job as an expansion associate.

Example 30:

If we were playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” I’d say: I’ve exceeded my sales quotas by at least 20% every quarter this year, I once won an international pie-eating contest, and I have an amazing job at [Company]. The last, of course, is the lie. For now.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start off a cover letter.

When unsure how to open a cover letter, a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of clichés or overused opening lines. Instead, start by highlighting a passion or accomplishment relevant to the company or role you're applying for. You could also mention something about the company that caught your attention. Get creative, but keep it professional and make sure your narrative makes sense in that context.

How to start a cover letter greeting?

Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company's website and address them directly, like “Dear Jane Doe”. If you can't find their name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a good alternative. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it sounds outdated and impersonal.

How do I introduce myself in a cover letter?

Introducing yourself in a cover letter is straightforward: just share a bit about yourself. For example, “I'm a copywriter with seven years of experience in online content writing. At least officially. Since my first year of college I've been working on personal projects and keeping a track record of my accomplishments throughout the years.” No need to repeat your name since it's already in your contact information at the beginning of the letter.

How to start a cover letter without a name?

If you don't know the name of the person receiving your cover letter, start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or similar. Other possibilities include: “Dear Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “To the Hiring Team”, “Dear Recruiter/Recruiting Team”, or “Dear Hiring Committee” if your industry evaluates cover letters and applications through a board.

Jenny Foss , Erica Breuer , Regina Borsellino , Amanda Cardoso also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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GCSE English Language 9-1 Creative Writing Sample Answer for a Story Titled “Alone”

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Other

Last updated

30 August 2024

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This digital file provides a sample answer to a GCSE English Language 9-1 creative writing task using the title “Alone.” The story delves into the emotions of solitude, showcasing a protagonist’s journey through feelings of isolation and the solace they find in the quiet of a night-time park. This well-crafted narrative captures the reader’s attention with vivid descriptions and relatable emotions, making it a perfect study tool for students aiming to excel in their English language exams.

Language Techniques Used in This Story:

Imagery: The story employs rich, descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the setting, helping readers visualize the scenes and feel the protagonist’s emotions.

Personification: Elements of nature, such as the wind and shadows, are given human-like qualities to enhance the atmosphere and evoke a sense of unease.

Metaphor and Simile: Comparisons are used to deepen the emotional impact and create connections between the character’s feelings and their surroundings.

First-Person Narrative: The use of a first-person perspective allows readers to connect closely with the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings, making the story more engaging and personal.

Symbolism: Objects and settings within the story, such as the empty swing and darkened park, symbolize the protagonist’s inner feelings of loneliness and longing for connection.

Why This File is Perfect for Exam Preparation:

Exam-Focused Content: This sample answer aligns perfectly with the GCSE English Language 9-1 criteria, demonstrating how to effectively respond to a creative writing prompt.

Technique Breakdown: With an analysis of the language techniques used, students can learn how to incorporate similar strategies in their own writing to enhance their storytelling skills.

Inspiration and Guidance: By reading and analyzing this sample, students can gain inspiration for their own writing, understanding how to construct a compelling narrative and convey deep emotions.

Practice and Improvement: This file offers an excellent example of high-quality creative writing, providing a benchmark for students to aim for in their exam preparation.

Use this digital file to inspire your own writing, understand the key elements of a successful narrative and prepare effectively for your GCSE English Language exams.

This digital file is more than just a model; it’s a tool for success. It’s crafted to meet the highest standards of the GCSE English Language exam criteria, ensuring that you’re learning from a top-quality example. By analyzing and practicing with this model answer, you can improve your skills, enhance your understanding and boost your exam performance.

Click the download button to have the full file at your fingertips!

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Crafting an effective problem statement

Aug 31, 2024

Posted by: Regine Fe Arat

Crafting a clear and concise problem statement is an essential skill in project management. It’s a powerful tool that you can use for effective problem-solving as it guides teams toward innovative solutions and measurable outcomes.

Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or a newcomer to the field, being able to write problem statements can significantly enhance your ability to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change.

A problem statement concisely describes an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. An effective problem statement frames the issue in a way that facilitates a deeper understanding and guides the problem-solving process.

At its core, a well-crafted problem statement should capture the essence of the challenge at hand, providing enough context for stakeholders to grasp the issue’s significance. It helps you find the most appropriate solution and ensures that all team members are aligned in their understanding of the problem’s scope and implications.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find out what problem statements are and what types you can use. You’ll also find practical examples and actionable tips to help you create impactful problem statements of your own.

What are the key components of a problem statement?

Here are the three key components of a problem statement:

The problem

You should clearly state the core issue or challenge to be addressed. This is the heart of your problem statement. Articulate it in a way that’s easy to understand and free from ambiguity.

The method used to solve the problem

While the problem statement itself shouldn’t propose specific solutions, it can outline the general approach or methodology you’ll use to address the issue. For example, you might mention the type of research, analysis or problem-solving techniques your team will employ.

The purpose, statement of objective and scope

This component outlines why addressing the problem is important and what the desired outcome looks like. It should clarify the goals of the problem-solving effort and define the boundaries of what you’ll address. This helps focus efforts and set clear expectations for what the project or initiative aims to achieve.

When to use a problem statement

A problem statement is a versatile tool that you can use across various scenarios in both professional and personal contexts. They are particularly valuable in the following cases:

Initiating new projects: a problem statement helps define the project’s purpose and sets clear objectives from the outset.
Addressing organizational challenges: it provides a structured approach to tackling complex issues within a company or team.
Conducting research: researchers use problem statements to focus their investigations and define the scope of their studies.
Presenting ideas to stakeholders: a well-formulated problem statement can effectively communicate the need for change or investment to decision-makers.
Personal goal-setting: even in individual pursuits, problem statements can help clarify objectives and motivate action.

Types of problem statements

Understanding different types of problem statements can help you choose the best approach for your specific situation.

Let’s explore three common types:

The status quo problem statement

This type of problem statement focuses on the current state of affairs and highlights the gap between the existing situation and the desired outcome.

It’s particularly effective when you are addressing ongoing issues or systemic problems within an organization.

Example: “Our customer support team currently handles 150 tickets, on average, per day with a resolution time of 48 hours. This prolonged response time has led to a 15% decrease in customer satisfaction scores over the past quarter, potentially impacting our retention rates and brand reputation.”

Destination problem statement

A destination problem statement emphasizes the desired future state or goal.

It’s ideal for situations where you want to inspire change and motivate teams to work toward a specific vision.

Example: “We aim to create a seamless onboarding experience for new employees that reduces the time to full productivity from 12 to six weeks while increasing new hire satisfaction scores by 25% within the next fiscal year.”

The stakeholder problem statement

This type of problem statement focuses on the impact of an issue on specific individuals or groups.

It’s particularly useful when you need to highlight the human element of a problem and garner support for change.

Example: “Junior software developers in our organization report feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, with 60% expressing dissatisfaction with their professional growth opportunities. This has resulted in a 30% turnover rate among this group in the past year, leading to increased recruitment costs and knowledge loss.”

How to write a problem statement

Crafting an effective problem statement takes practice and attention to detail. Follow these steps to create impactful problem statements:

Understand the problem

Before putting pen to paper, invest time in thoroughly understanding the issue at hand. Gather data, conduct interviews with stakeholders and observe the problem in action if possible. This deep understanding will form the foundation of your problem statement.

Articulate the problem in simple, straightforward language. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse readers. Your goal is to ensure that anyone reading the statement can quickly grasp the core issue.

Provide context

Include relevant background information that helps readers understand the problem’s significance. This might include historical data, industry benchmarks or organizational goals that the issue is affecting.

Identify the root cause

Dig deeper to uncover the underlying reasons for the problem. Avoid focusing on symptoms. Instead, strive to identify the fundamental issues that need to be addressed. Tools like the “5 whys” technique can be helpful in this process.

Be specific

Use concrete details and quantifiable metrics whenever possible. Instead of saying, “Customer satisfaction is low,” specify, “Customer satisfaction scores have dropped by 15% in the past quarter.” This precision helps create a clear picture of the problem’s scope and impact.

Use measurable criteria

Incorporate measurable elements that can be used to track progress and determine when the problem has been resolved. This might include specific metrics, timeframes or benchmarks.

Make it feasible

Ensure the problem statement describes an issue the organization can actually address. You’ll need to be realistic.

Consider your organization’s resources and constraints. While ambition is important, an overly broad or unattainable goal can be demotivating and unhelpful.

Avoid solution language

Resist the temptation to propose solutions in the problem statement. The goal is to clearly define the problem, not to prescribe how it should be solved. This approach encourages creative thinking and enables you and your team to consider a range of potential solutions.

Consider the audience

Tailor your problem statement to the intended audience. The level of detail and technical language may vary depending on whether you’re presenting to executives, team members or external stakeholders.

Seek feedback

Share your draft problem statement with colleagues or stakeholders to gather their input. Fresh perspectives can help identify blind spots or areas that need clarification.

Revise and refine

Refine your problem statement based on the feedback you receive. Don’t be afraid to go through multiple iterations to achieve the most clear and impactful statement possible.

Test for objectivity

Review your problem statement to ensure it remains objective and free from bias. Avoid language that assigns blame or makes assumptions about causes or solutions.

Challenges of writing a problem statement

While problem statements can be a powerful tool for problem-solving, you may face several common challenges when writing yours. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and create more effective problem statements.

Making it too complicated and lacking detail

One of the most frequent issues in problem statement writing is finding the right balance between detail and clarity.

Oversimplifying the problem can lead to a statement that’s too vague to be actionable. On the other hand, including too much detail can obscure the core issue and make the statement difficult to understand.

To overcome this challenge, focus on the essential elements of the problem. Start with a clear, concise statement about the issue, then add only the most relevant contextual details. Use specific, measurable criteria to define the problem’s scope and impact, but avoid getting bogged down in excessive technical jargon or minute, unhelpful details.

Ignoring stakeholders’ perspectives

Another common pitfall is failing to consider the diverse perspectives of all the stakeholders the problem affects. This can result in a problem statement that doesn’t fully capture the issue’s complexity or fails to resonate with key decision-makers.

To address this challenge, make an effort to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders before finalizing your problem statement. This might include conducting interviews, surveys or focus groups with employees, customers, partners or other relevant parties.

Incorporate these diverse viewpoints into your problem statement to create a more comprehensive and compelling representation of the issue.

Misalignment with organizational goals

Sometimes, problem statements can be well-crafted but fail to align with broader organizational objectives. This misalignment can lead to wasted resources and efforts on issues that, while important, may not be critical to the company’s overall success.

To ensure your problem statement aligns with the organization’s goals, review your company’s mission statement, strategic plans and key performance indicators before you get started. Consider how the problem you’re addressing relates to these broader objectives.

If possible, explicitly link the problem and its potential resolution to specific goals or metrics in your statement.

Failing to review and revise

An effective problem statement often requires multiple iterations and refinements. Many project managers make the mistake of treating their first draft as the final version, missing opportunities to improve clarity, precision and impact.

To overcome this challenge:

Build time for revision into your problem statement writing process.
After crafting your initial draft, step away from it for a short period.
Return with fresh eyes to critically evaluate and refine your statement.
Share it with colleagues or mentors for feedback. Be open to making substantive changes based on their input.

The last card

Being able to write problem statements is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your problem-solving capabilities and drive meaningful change within your organization. They enable you to set the stage for innovative solutions and improved processes – but to do this, you’ll need to clearly articulate challenges, provide context and focus on measurable outcomes.

A well-crafted problem statement is a powerful tool for aligning teams, securing resources and guiding decision-making. It’s the foundation for effective problem-solving strategies. As you get better at writing problem statements, you’ll find that complex challenges become more manageable and your ability to drive positive change increases.

At Pip Decks, we’re passionate about equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. Whether you’re looking to improve your problem-solving skills, enhance team collaboration or develop your leadership abilities, you’ll find the answers you need in our expert-written card decks.

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When you start writing a story, you need to have a hook. A hook can be a character or a plot device. It can also be a setting, something like "A young man came into a bar with a horse." or a setting like "It was the summer of 1969, and there were no cell phones." The first sentence of a story is often the hook.
101 Sentence Prompts To Spark Your Creative Writing
These sentence prompts are more than just writing tools; they are invitations to dive into the boundless realm of creative writing. Each prompt is a gateway, opening doors to new ideas, characters, and emotions. Whether battling writer's block or seeking fresh inspiration for your next story, these prompts offer a rich landscape for exploration.
60+ First Line Writing Prompts
The one-line writing prompts in this post are a great way to challenge yourself to write something new. In fact, you can even set yourself a challenge to write at least 300 words every day for each of these cool prompts! 60+ Random First Line Writing Prompts. Here are over 60 one-line opening sentences to help you write your next big story ...
20 Great Opening Lines to Inspire the Start of Your Story
18. Sarcastic. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.". — Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. Austen didn't invent the word snark — but she certainly refined the application of the quality.
Great Opening Lines: How to Grab Readers and Never Let Them Go
You want to hook the reader and keep him reading. A great opening line does one or more of the following: Begins right in the middle of the story, putting the reader immediately into the dramatic action. Takes us immediately into another world that we feel we must know more about. Immediately gives us the opportunity to escape from our own ...
How to Write a Good Opening Sentence (With Examples)
Examples of short opening sentences. Instead of following J.D. Salinger's 63-word mammoth sentence, take your cue from Toni Morrison, the master of short first sentences, like this one from "Tar Baby:". He believed he was safe. From "Paradise:". They shoot the white girl first.
How to Write a Strong Opening Sentence & Engage Readers (With Examples)
How to Write a Great Opening Sentence. Everyone knows some of the great opening lines from fiction novels: "Call me Ishmael.". - Herman Melville, Moby Dick . "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.". - Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina.
Dramatic Opening Sentences: 25+ Examples and Ideas
Dramatic Opening Sentences: 25+ Examples and Ideas. June 21, 2018. Admin. by Michael Lydon. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. -Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. "Tom!".
Opening Lines For A Story (Great, Effective & Bad Examples)
So long as the author explains that niggle sometime soon, that's fine, and (once you've deleted that "grubby") it's a good opening line. Example #7. 'It was not a good day to bury a child, let alone 'The Chosen One', and the more Thomas Cowper tried to console his mother the more she sobbed, 'Fear not, Mary….
51 Super Story Starter Sentences » JournalBuddies.com
51 Story Starter Sentences. Suddenly, icy fingers grabbed my arm as I inched through the darkness. I suddenly found out that I was heir to a throne…. She opened the letter and it said she'd won $100,000. When I flipped on the radio that night, I couldn't believe the voice I heard coming through the speakers. I still remember the day I was ...
7 Tips for Writing an Attention-Grabbing Hook
Level Up Your Team. See why leading organizations rely on MasterClass for learning & development. How do you get a reader interested in what you have to say? One technique is to use a great hook—an opening so exciting that it convinces a reader that your story is worth reading.
How to Start a Cover Letter: 30 Creative Opening Sentences
3. Show what you bring the company. You'll get more into the details after your opening paragraph, of course. But your cover letter opener should still tell the reader, "This person can do something for us," rather than, "This job would really help them.". 4.
Creative Writing Prompt Generator
Generate unique and inspiring prompts for various creative writing exercises. HyperWrite's Creative Writing Prompt Generator is an AI-powered tool that generates unique and inspiring prompts for various creative writing exercises. Whether you're working on a short story, a novel, a poem, or any other form of creative writing, this tool can help you break through writer's block and spark your ...
GCSE English Language 9-1 Creative Writing Sample Answer for a ...
This digital file provides a sample answer to a GCSE English Language 9-1 creative writing task using the title "Alone." The story delves into the emotions of solitude, showcasing a protagonist's journey through feelings of isolation and the solace they find in the quiet of a night-time park.
How to Write an Effective Problem Statement: A Comprehensive Guide
Challenges of writing a problem statement. While problem statements can be a powerful tool for problem-solving, you may face several common challenges when writing yours. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and create more effective problem statements. Making it too complicated and lacking detail