How would you start off a story? I know this is a very broad question, but I'd like to know what and how you would begin.
This is... indeed a very broad question :p
But, I get your sentiment. There is this unspoken expectation the success of a book is balanced on the first line, or on the very first sentences. Of course, that is silly. I have never met any writer, or reader, worth respecting who closed a book based on the very first line.
Personally, I can't even wrap my head around that concept. It's like walking up to a person, hearing the way they greet you and go "I'm sorry I see this relationship is not going to go anywhere."
It's downright silly c;
But, that has nothing to do with your question-- right? You want to know how I would start a story. And, of course, you are asking for my opinion-- so here you go.
Do you want to know how I start writing stories? Some of you have heard this a million times, but here it goes again:
Write as though you are telling someone the story.
Write as though you are telling someone the story.
Write as though you are telling someone the story.
Not clear enough? Try this.
Imagine yourself around a campfire (wearing a badass cloak), or imagine yourself at a bar, or imagine yourself inside an interrogation chamber. Now imagine the person you are telling this story to. What do they look like? What sort of stories do you think they are into? Does this person look like anyone you know? And... just start writing the story, in the same way you would tell it to them.
Seriously. That's the secret. Writing is storytelling, and (really when you think about it) the act of writing is simply that of translating our thoughts (or inner voice) into paper.
Now, some of you must be asking yourself: "But Max, this does not work for me as my story is told from 3rd person omniscient." Nope, this still works. I wrote a whole post about that.
I hope this helps c; Your question was a little broad, but really this kind of covers the entire concept of 'getting over the first line' which I get questions about every day. Really, the secret is to step back and treat it like what it is... telling a story!
If you (or any other writerly friends) have any more questions, make sure to send them my way! Keep writing~ ♥︎