Without a strong opening, readers may never get past the first paragraph. Why? Because the opening sets the tone for the rest of the story. If you cannot reel in readers quickly, they will check out just as fast.
The opening is the hook. It introduces stakes and raises questions. A great first line invites the reader into the story and makes them want to stay. You can create a compelling opening in different ways. One of the most common is using something surprising or odd-sounding that is then explained and leads into the rest of the story.
Take the first line in George Orwell’s book, 1984, as an example:It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.
That line immediately signals something is off. That line grabs the reader's attention. In just a few words, Orwell hints at a familiar but twisted world.
Or consider the stark simplicity of Charles Dickens’s novel, A Tale of Two Cities:
Or consider the stark simplicity of Charles Dickens’s novel, A Tale of Two Cities:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
This is straightforward and introduces themes of extreme contrasts, emphasizing both the hope and despair of the French Revolution.
The best openings establish expectations for readers. A slow, plodding, or overly wordy opening makes it easy for readers to set aside the book and choose another one that competes for their attention.
The closing is just as important. A strong ending doesn’t merely finish a story—it completes it. It can repeat something from the beginning, tie up loose ends, and deliver an emotional payoff.
The best openings establish expectations for readers. A slow, plodding, or overly wordy opening makes it easy for readers to set aside the book and choose another one that competes for their attention.
The closing is just as important. A strong ending doesn’t merely finish a story—it completes it. It can repeat something from the beginning, tie up loose ends, and deliver an emotional payoff.
On the other hand, a closing that lacks interest or emotion or does not tie up plot threads can leave readers scratching their heads, wondering what they were supposed to get out of the story.
Your story’s ending should be what readers remember and what stays with them the most. A great ending respects the reader because it gives them a sense that the journey was worth it.
A good beginning and ending complement each other. By combining the two and having a solid story, you’ll have created a story that resonates deeply with your audience.
You will also have made an impact through your words, just as E.B. White did in his classic children’s story, Charlotte’s Web. Charlotte, a barn spider, becomes good friends with Wilbur, a livestock pig, and helps him save his life. In the concluding lines of the book, White wrote that Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. He ended the book with these two lines:
Your story’s ending should be what readers remember and what stays with them the most. A great ending respects the reader because it gives them a sense that the journey was worth it.
A good beginning and ending complement each other. By combining the two and having a solid story, you’ll have created a story that resonates deeply with your audience.
You will also have made an impact through your words, just as E.B. White did in his classic children’s story, Charlotte’s Web. Charlotte, a barn spider, becomes good friends with Wilbur, a livestock pig, and helps him save his life. In the concluding lines of the book, White wrote that Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. He ended the book with these two lines:
It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.
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