Young Writers discussion

I don't know about you, but when it comes to writing the hardest part for me is starting. Which isn't good because the first sentence is the most important one, I think. It's the hook that catches the reader, the boost, the extra push. Gone are the days of Once Upon A Time. Now its all about being original and interesting and new.

So, do you have any tips on how to start off? What do you think is the best way to begin a story? Share your thoughts, etc etc.

[If this in the wrong folder, or if it doesn't make sense, let me know..]

Are we talking about starting writing or beginnings? Because for me, they are very different.

With longer pieces such as novellas and novels, I very very rarely write the beginning first, because it's just too hard. I skip to the first scene that REALLY means something, and write from there. Then, when I feel like it, I go back and write the beginning and make it good.

Thoughts on that first sentence/page/chapter:

-Make that first line your best. For real. Think of something clever to say that will make your reader feel something -- curiosity, most of all.

-Your primary goal in that first sentence is to make the reader ask why you started that way.

-Heck, your primary goal for the entire exposition is to make the reader ask lots of questions. Who are these characters? Where are they? What do they want?

-Within the first chapter, especially for SF&F, you should at least hint at the premise of your book. This will hook a reader much better. I cannot tell you how many fantastic fantasy books I've read that have bored a lot of my friends because the fantasy didn't even play a part until a third of the way through. Not all readers are as resilient as I. :D

Yeah, I meant beginnings sorry.

Thanks for the help ^^