When you’re writing a novel, you want to make it exciting and appealing to your intended audience. Novel openings can often play an important part in getting people to develop an interest in your novel.

The way you start your novel is, therefore, very important. Luckily, we’re here to help you out. Here are seven creative ideas to write spotless novel openings and make a great first impression.

Let’s break it down together.

1.    A Mystery

If you want to grab your readers’ attention from the first lines of your novel, consider opening with a mystery.

A mystery implies introducing a concept that is not entirely clear to the readers, and that will make them want to read more.

For example, it could be:

• a peculiar place
• a secret object
• strange character

Give your readers just a glimpse into the mystery and make them read to reveal the rest.

2.    Compelling Dialog

Dialogs are all about the action and will awaken your readers instantly and show them the great benefits of reading.

Use dialogs as novel openings to:

• introduce characters
• reveal a part of the plot
• show novel dynamics
• get the readers involved

Compelling dialogs are great hooks for novel openings, so make sure you consider using them.

3.    Use Intrigue

Open your novel by introducing a character, but make sure you add some spice to it.

Creating intrigue around a character will make the whole story more desirable to read and explore. You can use different literary tools to build intrigue:

• mention a secret they’re hiding
• refer to an event from their past
• have them say a mysterious line

Use your imagination to get the audience thinking and looking for answers to the questions forming in their minds.

4.    Shock The Readers

If you want to have your readers’ eyes wide open from the very first line of your novel, look for a way to shock them.

You need to give them something that will blow them away, and you need to do it in the first paragraph.

So, what will it be:

• a murder scene
• a huge secret revealed
• an action scene
• an emotional scene

Give them something to win them over and ensure they’ll keep reading your book.

5.    Introduce The Setting

If the pot of your novel is set in an unusual, or in any way interesting setting, use it to bring the readers inside your story.

Enrich your novel opening  writing process with the description of the setting:

• the unusual details
• the lighting
• the smell
• the sounds
• the traces of events that happened there
• the announcement of the events that are about to happen

Make the setting relevant to the continuation of the story and use it to deepen further.

6.    Killer Opening Line

Characters can help your audience get hooked to the novel. Create a killer opening line for your character and make it the first line of your novel.

It can be:

• a catchphrase
• a statement of a fact
• a revelation
• an inner thought

Use the opening line to build your character and give the readers something to hold on to as they continue reading.

7.    Create a Killer Cliffhanger

Cliffhangers are among the authors’ favorite literary tools. Their main purpose is to keep the readers interested and get them to keep reading.

You can create a killer cliffhanger at the opening of your novel and use it to get more readers on board.

Make sure that it is:

• intriguing
• confusing
• attention-grabbing

Finish the first paragraph with a cliffhanger, and you’ll have them turning pages instantly.

Final Thoughts

Spotless novel openings are essential for making sure your novel gets the attention it deserves. Not only do you need to win your audience over, but you also need to have them fall in love with your story.

Use the tips provided above to create unique and effective novel openings that will help you build your audience.

 

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Melanie Sovann is a professional writer, editor, and proofreader. She currently works at EssaySupply where she gives professional paper writing help. She also works as a content writing specialist for Best Writing Advisor. She is keen on creative writing and has written her thesis project about it.