On Writing: What Makes a Great Beginning?

An Opening Act Must Engage the Reader, or What’s the Point?

Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

Whether you’re writing a short story, a memoir, or a novel, beginnings are crucial, and challenging. Starting off strong isn’t necessarily a “natural” thing for many writers. I wasn’t always good at this — in fact, I’m continually working on my beginnings. But after much study, I’ve discovered that it boils down to three things, choices, if you will: Person, Place, or Predicament. Or, the best-case scenario, some combination thereof.

Person

Let’s look at some examples:

“I’m not surprised that the only thing of material value my brother left behind was a truck, since I’m pretty sure he was created in the backseat of a car, and my most vivid memories of our childhood are of cars, and him — often in tandem.”

This beginning comes from author Melissa Stephenson’s memoir Driven — A White-Knuckled Ride to Heartbreak and Back. This is my favorite kind of beginning: It’s not a clever device — it’s a person speaking the truth.

“My mother, who lived and died by superstitions, used to make us say together before we went on a trip: We’re not going anywhere. It was meant to trick the Devil. I can’t say I believe in that kind of thing, but then again, I didn’t…