{"id":62478,"date":"2022-03-06T12:51:30","date_gmt":"2022-03-06T16:51:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=62478"},"modified":"2022-03-18T11:46:17","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T15:46:17","slug":"how-to-begin-a-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-begin-a-story\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Begin a Story Without Being Clich\u00e9"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you want to know how to begin a story? What kinds of story leads should you avoid?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening a story can be the most intimidating part. The first line of a story is what sets the scene in the readers’ minds, so it should be compelling. However, many writers fall into the same traps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s how to begin a story without being clich\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Opening a Story<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Deciding how to begin a story is one of the most difficult decisions<\/a> you\u2019ll make when writing. The first sentence\u2014known as your lead or lede\u2014is your most important one. <\/strong>Your lead should capture your reader\u2019s interest and compel her to keep reading. Give your reader enough information to keep her interested, but don\u2019t spoil your whole story\u2014otherwise she won\u2019t have a reason to keep reading.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He explains that a lead can look different depending on the story and the writer. Some leads may last a paragraph or a page. Others might only take a few sentences. But Zinsser believes shorter leads are more impactful\u2014the faster you can hook a reader\u2019s interest, the faster you can move on and discuss your ideas or topic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid These Types of Openings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Zinsser admits that there are many different ways to write a good lead, and other writers echo this claim. It can be helpful to know which kinds of leads to avoid<\/a>, so you can focus on writing one that\u2019s compelling. For a strong lead, avoid these common pitfalls: <\/p>\n\n\n\n