Quick writing question for ya! So, I know people are always saying starting is the hardest part for a story and what not but it’s not even starting that’s difficult for me. How can I make sure my intros to headcanon scenarios vary? I don’t always want to start with describing a scene or with dialogue so I was wondering if you had any tips for that. Also, I suddenly thought of a second question how do I think of activities? (Idk how else to describe it) that the Genshin guys and reader can partake in before I begin the scene. Basically what can I have them do before I open the curtains for the reader to see the scene. I ask because I seem to have a obsession with writing moments with the reader and genshin character having a quiet moment in bed.
Good question!
Varying the beginning of your story:
I often lean into the same beginnings too, so instead of feeling bad about it - I try to set the stage
What sense do I want to draw attention too for the reader to feel connected to the story ( sight, sound, touch - these are the ones I gravitate to )
Where are we - inside, outside, what stage are you designing for the reader to visualize ( sometimes it’s not even necessary, but it helps with grounding )
Do you want to start with dialogue or emotion, either are good and can help set the tone
what is happening, what actions are occurring to tell the reader what the characters are doing -- actions tell us urgency, intentions, direction
Activities in the world of your story:
I like to make my activities relate to the characters I’m writing for - so think about them and you’ll come up with some ideas
You don’t always have to start at the beginning - start in the middle or right at the end ( it’s like you are building a sandwich, let your mind walk through the steps and start wherever you find the most natural for the story )
writing from or with the character perspective: each character has a set of activities they often do - the more you know the character, the more activities you can pull from
writing from the reader perspective: what do they do in this world and then pull from those activities they might be involved in ( adventurer, researcher, knight, Fatui, etc. )
it’s really up to you -- there is no wrong answer!
I hope these helped answer your question lol - every author is different and there isn’t a single way to plan or write for your stories, find your flow and try lots of things, and practice practice <3









