Overview: The beginning of your story, or exposition, is one of the most important parts of your book. It introduces your main character’s world, gives readers a sense of what their normal life is like, and sparks interest to keep them reading. A strong beginning should establish the tone of the story and set up the conflict or problem that the character will face. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to plan where your story begins and how to create an opening that hooks readers from the start.
Why the Beginning Matters
The beginning of your story is your chance to draw readers in and set the stage for what’s to come. A compelling exposition not only introduces your character and setting but also gives readers a reason to care about what happens next. It should leave them wanting more and eager to turn the page. By planning where your story begins, you can ensure that the opening captures the reader’s attention and sets the right tone for the rest of the book.
Key Considerations When Planning the Beginning of Your Story
1. Show the Main Character’s Normal Life
The beginning of your story should offer a glimpse into the main character’s everyday life before the main conflict or adventure begins. This helps readers understand who the character is and what their world is like. By establishing this normalcy, you create a baseline that will be disrupted by the story’s inciting incident.
- Describe the character’s normal life in a way that gives readers insight into their personality, habits, or environment.
- Set up the character’s world so readers have context for the changes that will occur later in the story.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the beginning show what the main character’s normal life is like?
- Have I given enough detail for readers to understand the character’s world?
2. Establish the Tone and Mood
The tone and mood of your story should be evident from the very first page. Whether your book is humorous, adventurous, or heartwarming, make sure the beginning sets the right tone and gives readers a sense of what to expect.
- Set the tone and mood through descriptive language, dialogue, or illustrations.
- Use the opening to hint at the type of story readers are about to experience.
Questions to Ask:
Does the beginning set the right tone and mood for the story?
Have I used language and descriptions that match the overall tone of the book?
3. Introduce the Main Character’s Goal or Desire
While the beginning of your story shows the character’s normal life, it should also hint at their main goal or desire. What does the character want or need? This gives readers a sense of what the character is striving for and sets up the stakes for the story.
- Introduce the character’s main goal or desire early on, so readers understand what motivates them.
- Hint at the character’s inner conflict or challenge, which will become more evident as the story progresses.
Questions to Ask:
Have I introduced the character’s goal or desire in the beginning?
Does the beginning give readers a sense of what’s at stake for the character?
4. Hook Readers with a Strong Opening Line
Your opening line is your first opportunity to hook readers and spark their interest. It should be intriguing, set the stage for the story, and make readers want to know what happens next.
- Create an opening line that captures attention, whether through an interesting description, piece of dialogue, or question.
- Use the first sentence to set the tone and hint at what’s to come.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the opening line capture the reader’s attention?
- Have I created a strong first sentence that makes readers want to keep reading?
How to Plan the Beginning of Your Story
Step 1: Describe the Main Character’s Normal Life
Start by describing your main character’s everyday life. Show what they do, where they live, and what their world is like before the main conflict or event begins. This will set the stage for the story’s progression.
Step 2: Set the Tone and Mood
Use descriptive language and dialogue to establish the tone and mood of your story. Make sure the beginning aligns with the overall tone you want to create, whether it’s playful, suspenseful, or emotional.
Step 3: Introduce the Character’s Goal or Desire
Hint at what the main character wants or needs. This can be something as simple as wanting to find a friend or as complex as overcoming a fear. Introducing the character’s goal early on helps readers understand their motivations.
Step 4: Write a Strong Opening Line
Craft an opening line that hooks readers and makes them want to know more. Use this first sentence to set the scene, introduce a character, or hint at the conflict to come.
Final Notes:
Planning where your story begins is an important part of creating a strong narrative. By showing the main character’s normal life, setting the tone, introducing their goal, and crafting a strong opening line, you’ll create a beginning that hooks readers and keeps them engaged. Use this planning phase to establish a solid foundation for the rest of your story, ensuring that your exposition draws readers in and makes them want to turn the page.
