Start your writing in the middle of something. It helps get the attention of your reader because you’re not starting with a boring description. On that note, stories don’t have to jump to catch your readers up in the beginning either. Add information in as you go and it becomes important. Otherwise, let readers learn as the story progresses. So, when beginning a story, jump right in to what’s going on.
For example: “That is final!” Was punctuated by the slamming of the door. I slowly let out a breath, trying to control my raging emotions as my head swims. Marriage. Hah! They’ve arranged my marriage to a lord of the court. It’s a despairing thought as I breath and stare at the door, the shout and slam still ringing in my ears.
Something just happened. Here is the catalyst to begin my story which jumps straight in. An argument just happened and our main character has had a marriage arranged for her which is upsetting. Now, I can continue my story and introduce another character or maybe what this character plans to do at this point. This may be a much more compelling beginning as opposed to if I had simply info dropped.
As such: Maeve was the princess of a large kingdom and her step-mother, Ciri, had just come in to inform her that she would be marrying the Duke Miser, a miserable young man within the court who believed he was owed everything. Maeve disliked him immensely, but Ciri has demanded she would marry him. Storming out of the room, leaving Maeve to stew in her thoughts.
While this second example works for introducing the story, the first one is a bit more compelling and shows more rather than simply telling what is going on. This would be the difference in glossing over what is going on and showing it, allowing readers to see and better understand what is going on.
Which one do you prefer? Which one puts you in the story? Let me know!
