How To Start A Novel First Sentence

Here are 10 strategies to use on first lines for your novel. Write the first sentence so the reader desperately wants to read the second one.

Internal story sentence starters Writing anchor

“it was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” “it is a truth…

How to start a novel first sentence. The first sentence sets up the story by introducing the lead characters and the story world. A solidly good spot to begin your novel is when something changes outside your protagonist, forcing them to. When starting a novel, you have one goal:

Why is this sentence good? We all obsess over our novel’s first lines, and rightly so, because from it the rest of the story must flow naturally and without a pause. Readers expect the first character they meet in the story to be either the hero or the heroine (and most often it is the heroine), and they're immediately prepared to care about this person.

First sentence don’ts start with a character introduction that breaks the fourth wall. And why was the author not sorry? Leave the backstory for later.

Start with one of your two main characters. To write the beginning of a novel, try to capture your reader's attention in the first sentence so they want to keep reading. Opening lines don’t have to be loud, subtlety is just as effective.

My name is susie jones, and this is the story of how i _____.” use onomatopoeia. How to start a novel: External change, internal change, and environment.

I was not sorry when my brother died. I suggest three solid ways to get your novel off the ground: The third sentence summarizes the first part of the middle, leading up to the second disaster.

That’s not my quote, unfortunately. After focusing on the very first sentence of your book, you should focus all of your attention on the last sentence of the first paragraph. It’s by william faulkner, and it brings us back to luring them in:

Use short paragraphs and direct sentences. Here are some first lines from classic and contemporary novels that make us want to know more. Use language that will add weight to your sentences.

How to write the first paragraphs of your novel. Use your verbs correctly, and your adjectives sparingly. Don’t start talking about the weather.

It’s the very first break in the book, and thus the first chance readers have to stop reading. An outrageously good opening sentence. However, don't get caught up on the first sentence if you can't think of.

Set the time and space coordinates. That first sentence creates drama because it instantly raises two compelling questions in readers’ minds: I’ve illustrated them with the “100 best lines from novels,” as chosen by the editors of the american book review.

This is how the novel “nervous conditions” by tsitsi dangarembga starts: This time, the story focuses on little john, and the rain is just an external circumstance affecting him. How do you start your first sentence in a novel?

They ring in the ears, with rhythm, intrigue and portent. It entices you to read on. Full stops are your friends.

You write the second sentence to make them curious about the third one. This is the springboard from which you launch into the rest of your book. The door slammed open.” begin with describing a character’s physical appearance.

Why did the brother die? You write your first sentence to make readers curious about the second one. The second sentence summarizes the beginning and presents the first conflict to force a decision, framing the story question.

How to start a novel: How to write a good opening line: People can often quote famous opening sentences from novels.

Let me propose an even simpler view. To create an inviting entry point into your story. Short, clear sentences will grab your readers’ attention.

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