Story Starters

The beginning of your story is very important. Those first few sentences need to leave your reader questioning what is going on. It should make them want to continue reading the story to find out what has happened before this first sentence, or what will happen after. Think of this sentence as a puzzle piece. Does it make the reader want to finish the puzzle? Here are a few story starters that might help you get off on the right foot.

"Put it down!" the man yelled.

I placed the package on the doorstep and rang the bell. My heart pounded as I hid in the shadows.

I closed my eyes and tried to imagine what my father would do in this situation.

I stepped into the room and noticed a picture frame tipped over. No one else should have been here.

It was Christmas morning, but I was the only one home.

I could keep my friend's secret or save her life. I wasn't sure...

My ears burned red as they stared at me.

The moment I opened my eyes, I knew I was going to die that day.

If you were stranded on an island, what is one item you would bring? We've all heard that question, and we have all laughed it off. I'm no longer laughing.

Cold pizza always reminds me of him. He always...

The black cat hissed at me as we crossed paths. I shrugged it off, but...

She opened her eyes to find her wrists tied behind her back. Finally, she focused on...

No one believes me, but the story you are about to read is true.

One mistake was all it took. She could have never guessed...

"I don't love you." She whispered.

In the end, I could never live up to their expectations.

I watched the truck drive away with tears in my eyes. How could....

We built so much more than a tree house that summer. We built...

The stench of gun smoke still hung in the air above our heads.

I have not set foot outside my own home in over three years.

She placed her hand on her belly and felt him kick. Soon, she would be a mother and...

He held the notebook close to his chest and hung his head. How did he not see this happening?

The first time she saw him in uniform, her heart stopped. Now, here he was....

Her face burned red as she recognized her journal sitting on his desk. How could he....