Writers are often instructed to hook readers in their opening paragraphs by planting questions in the reader’s mind.
But how do you actually do that?
The best story beginnings hint, tease, and foreshadow what might happen by the final paragraph.
Why are these beginnings so effective?
Because they give readers two things they crave:
Curiosity and suspense.
You can’t craft an effective beginning without knowing where your story lands.
In this episode, we’re breaking down 3 story openings to help you craft your story ‘s opening with the end in mind.
Not sure sure how your story ends?
No worries. I got you covered there, too.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as.”
Episode at a glance:
[01:02] The Relationship Between the Beginning and the End
Learn how your story opening can stoke the readers’ expectations and predictions about what will ultimately befall your characters, and why this unconscious question keeps them hooked.
[03:00] Start With The End
Don’t have your story ending nailed yet? I got your covered. Learn 3 things you need to decide about your ending before crafting your opening.
[05:59] Story Opening 1
This is the polar opposite of the ending. Said another way, the ending is a complete reversal of the beginning. Hear an example of a beginning that suggests the complete opposite by the end.
[08:42] Story Opening 2
Learn how to plant the seeds in your beginning that gather weight, momentum and meaning by your story’s end.
[12:34] Story Opening 3
This opening foreshadows the ending in a way that drives readers to keep reading till the last page learn if their prediction are right, or will be overturned in some surprising twist.
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Link Mentioned
Episode 94: Three Simple Steps to Deeper Character Development