I once belonged to a writers group that endearingly referred to itself as Rough Beginnings. Nearly every member, at one time or another, experienced the stunning realization that what they thought of as a great start for their novel, was either superfluous or would work better as Chapter Five.
Gauging where your story might begin is often difficult. It is tempting to set the scene with detail about the surroundings, about how people look or talk, or a reflection on what brought the protagonist to this point. But these days, that is not guaranteed to hold a reader. With the mega tasking and instant contact that makes up today's lifestyle, people expect to get "hooked" at the get go.
Certain genres have characteristic styles that shouldn't be ignored, but all beginnings are a matter focus. Home in on the important action that delineates your characters and sets up the story. Meandering too long through flashbacks or hectic urban lifestyle, or daily tedium won't get it done.
Here's an example: a story involves a woman returning home to help out with the family business that is being threatened by takeover from supposed friends. One beginning could tell from where the woman was returning and how she felt about the move as she took in the changed surroundings. But it would be better if action involving the main story was forefront:
She arrives to find the head of the sales department has just quit after a stormy argument with her brother. How she handles this will tell a lot about her character. Once the crisis is dealt with, she and her family subside into a bit of chitchat that will give the nuts and bolts of her situation. "How was the flight from Cleveland?", "Have you decided to sell your condo?", etc.
When starting a new manuscript, it is useful to develop a timeline for the story. This timeline should include the background story as well as the elements of action. The sequence of events, and how and why your protagonist reacts can be critical. Some events might be better if they take place "off the page," with the characters discussing what happened; this would give an opportunity to show reactions and emotions of more than one person. Other events might not be needed in any kind of detail, and are merely your personal reference for story development. Often, this detailed list making reveals clues on where to start.
Once the timeline is completed, start writing--without dawdling over "is this the best opening?". Complete the entire first draft; try not to look back and second guess your efforts. After the entire story has been written, go back and assess its development. Characters and the story line usually change during the course of actual writing, and those changes will affect where the story starts.
No formula or plan will present a foolproof way to start your fiction manuscript, but a bit of organization and list making can get you closer to a dynamic beginning that will grab an editor, agent and reader.
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