How to Write a Killer Opening for Your Novel
All writers should be aware it’s crucial to hook your readers from the very first sentence of your novel. If you don’t hook them from the first moment, they might not proceed any further. This sad event would mean all your hard work will probably go unread.
A killer opening can set the tone, establish the genre, introduce the main character, and raise intriguing questions that keep the reader turning the pages. But how do you write a killer opening that does all that and more? Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a captivating start for your story.
Start with action or conflict
One of the most effective ways to grab your reader’s attention is to start with action or conflict. This can be physical, emotional, or intellectual, as long as it involves your protagonist and sets up the main problem or goal of the story.
For example, in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the opening sentence plunges us into the dystopian world of Panem and the life-or-death stakes of the annual Hunger Games:
“When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold.”
This immediately creates a sense of tension and curiosity, as we wonder who is missing from the bed and why.
Establish the voice and point of view
Another crucial element of a killer opening is to establish the voice and point of view of your narrator. This can be done through word choice, sentence structure, tone, and style. Your voice should reflect your protagonist’s personality, background, and attitude, as well as the genre and mood of your story.
For example, in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the opening paragraph introduces us to the cynical and rebellious voice of Holden Caulfield:
“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 instantly gives us a sense of Holden’s character and his disdain for conventional storytelling.
Set the scene and time period
Another important aspect of a killer opening is to set the scene and time period of your story. This can be done through description, dialogue, or narration, as long as it gives the reader a clear picture of where and when your story takes place. You don’t have to give too much detail or exposition, just enough to orient your reader and create a vivid impression.
For example, in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the opening line sets up the historical and social context of the story:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
This immediately establishes the theme of marriage and money that will drive the plot and character development.
Introduce a mystery or a twist
Another way to hook your reader is to introduce a mystery or a twist in your opening. This can be something surprising, shocking, or intriguing that makes your reader want to find out more. It can be related to your plot, your character, or your setting, as long as it raises questions that need answers.
For example, in The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, the opening prologue introduces a murder mystery that involves secret codes, ancient symbols, and religious conspiracies:
“Renowned curator Jacques Saunière staggered through the vaulted archway of the museum’s Grand Gallery. He lunged for the nearest painting he could see, a Caravaggio. Grabbing the gilded frame, the seventy-six-year-old man heaved the masterpiece toward himself until it tore from the wall and Saunière collapsed backward in a heap beneath the canvas.”
This passage creates a sense of suspense and intrigue, as we wonder who killed Saunière and why he destroyed a priceless painting.
Make it original and memorable
Finally, one of the most important tips for writing a killer opening is to make it original and memorable. You want your opening to stand out from other novels in your genre and leave a lasting impression on your reader. You can do this by using an unusual or striking image, a catchy or witty phrase, a powerful or emotional statement, or anything else that showcases your creativity and style.
For example, in 1984 by George Orwell, the opening sentence creates a dystopian atmosphere with an unexpected twist:
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
This single sentence catches our attention right away and makes us wonder what kind of world we are entering.
These are some tips and examples for writing a killer opening for your novel. Of course, there are many other ways to start your story, depending on your genre, plot, character, and style. The main thing is to write an opening that hooks your reader from the first sentence and makes them want to read more. Happy writing!
© Colin Lawson Books