500 First Lines For Creating Short Story Ideas

by Ting Tong

Here, I give you 500 opening sentences, to 'kick start' a story. As you probably know, a good first line attracts the readers attention, but this does not necessarily have to be dramatic. So, in this collection, you will find some of each.

Here's an example of dramatic.
She had just poured the tea, when Aunt Emily dropped dead.

Not so dramatic.
She had just poured the tea when the vicar knocked.

Now, in my opinion, the follow up sentences are just as important to 'hook' the reader. This can easily turn the opening sentence into one of curiosity.

She had just poured the tea when the vicar knocked. It was just great, that they had become lovers!

So, not so dramatic, becomes a lot more interesting.

The way to use these opening lines is by thinking 'out of the box', as the expression goes. Look at the sentences from all angles. Obviously, some will appeal more than others, but with 500 to choose from, there will be something for everyone.

Good Luck

Ting Tong

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2013

Reviews

[Danielle Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessings

Truly a blessing, for a nervous aspiring author. I can't wait to use some of the examples for my short stories.