How do you start a story?
There is no second chance for a first impression. What is true in life also applies in stories. If the first sentence doesn't make our readers want to read the second sentence, write my paper we've lost them. There are several ways to start a story and draw the reader into the story. A first sentence is a door opener and has to be able to do a lot: it should be interesting, exciting, echo the tone of the story, arouse expectations (which should also be fulfilled later), introduce the character and the plot. Writing a good start takes practice and seldom emerges in the first draft. There is no formula or general pattern. We therefore find inspiration for first sentences and story beginnings in literature.
A good start gives the reader a feel for the story, getting to know the main character (s) and the setting. At least the following can be read from the first sentence or paragraph: Narrative perspective Tense Main character The beginning of a story also has other functions: Describe the atmosphere, p, lace, and t,ime Name the subject of the story Imply conflict Let the narrative voice sound Raise expectations It would be overwhelming to put all of this in the first few sentences. A beginning moves sentence by sentence in an interplay of questions and answers. It reveals just as much information as is necessary for understanding at the moment and gradually sprinkles in further information without the reader initially having questions. The right moment to get started When is the right moment to get into the story? That depends on how the story and its ending are conceived. The same applies to the type of text: In a short story, the introduction is rather short and usually starts in media resume, and Chatterley The general rule is not to join the scene too early and rather a little later.
For example, there are these options for the time: These narratives start at the origin. For example, you start with the story of the main character and then tell in chronological order.
" In media’s res" (Latin "right into the middle of the matter") This beginning coincides with the first sentence with the door in the house. The story begins right in the middle of an exciting scene or plot.
"In ultimas res" (Latin "from the last things on") In this variant, the story begins with the end - or just before it.buy argumentative essay Then the story begins with the previous plot and traces the path to the end and at the end, the circle closes.
Examples of story beginnings I read my way through the reading samples of various novels and short stories and divided the beginnings of sentences into categories. By the way, this is my tip to you: To get a feel for good beginnings, you should read a lot of beginnings. You can find a larger selection than the bookshelf at home in the reading samples on the publisher's website or online shops. Nine ways to start stories
With a dialogue or a question “What did you say?” “I said I was going away with them. It will do them good to get out a bit. ” “ And when? ”Asked my mother-in-law. “Now.” “Now? You don't mean that seriously. " " Yes. " Anna Gavalda: I loved her
With the description of the environment / the setting The candle flame and its likeness trapped in the wall mirror flickered briefly when he stepped into the hallway; and again when he closed the door. Cormac McCarthy: All the beautiful horses
The air in her room smelled stale of cigarettes and perfume. Anna Stothard: Pink Hotel
- With a universal truth Our age is tragic in nature, so we refuse to take it tragically. DH Lawrence: Lady Chatterly
It is strange that through the greatest noise you can hear a very low noise if you have waited for it. Peter Stamm, The expectation
- In the middle of the action It was exactly fifty steps from the office to the operating room. Jessica Schulte on the sleeve: betrayal. Seven crimes against love
She saw the letter. And she didn't find her feelings. He was dead, it said there. Once across the envelope, in big red letters: Favor for Greater Germany.
With a preliminary interpretation It is becoming more and more likely that I will undertake the journey that has occupied my imagination with a certain exclusivity for several days.
With a reminder Whenever I think of Maria, I think of an evening when she cooked for us. Peter Stamm: Passion
With the motif of the story I dream of water until today.
I am one of those who breathe. I have to breathe with the music, to give it and my air so that it doesn't suffocate and neither do I. Not every piece takes a lot of air, but some of them make me breathless. Katharina Mevissen: I can hear you
At first, it was just a word. The word, nimble and agile, like all these sixteen words, ambushed me. I had never before managed to defend myself, they always forced their message on me anew; there is another language, your mother tongue, don't think the language you speak is your language. Nava Ebrahimi: Sixteen words
With a narrative beginning From July of his sophomore year at the university until January of the following year,premium essay Tsukuru Tazaki thought of nothing but death. Haruki Murakami: The pilgrimage years of the colorless Mr. Tazaki
With something unusual It takes three men to pull the body out of the water.