What are the best ways to open your novel?

To open your novel well, you could start with a symbol that has significance throughout the story. For instance, 'The red rose lay on the ground, its petals slowly wilting, a sign of things to come.' This gives a sense of foreshadowing. Starting with a character's backstory in a concise way can also be effective. 'He grew up in a small town, where everyone knew everyone else's secrets, and that upbringing had shaped him into the man he was today.' And, beginning with a moment of discovery, like 'When she opened the box, she couldn't believe what she saw inside. It was a key that would change her life forever.' can be a great way to start a novel.

Beginning with an interesting dialogue can be very effective. Such as, 'Are you sure we should be here?' she whispered, her eyes darting around nervously. It creates intrigue and makes the reader want to know more about the characters and their situation.

Beginning with a vivid description of a unique setting can also be very effective. You can describe a strange landscape like 'The forest was filled with trees that glowed an eerie blue in the moonlight.' This sets a mood and makes the reader eager to know what will happen in such a place.

You could start by editing it thoroughly to make sure the story flows smoothly and there are no plot holes.

A startling statement is another good option. 'The world ended not with a bang, but with a whisper.' It grabs the reader's attention and makes them eager to find out how such a statement could be true. Often, this type of opening challenges the reader's assumptions and sets up an interesting narrative.

Starting with a thought - provoking question can be effective too. Something like 'What if you could change one thing about your past?'. This makes the reader start thinking and they are more likely to keep reading to find out how the story might explore this question.

One good way is to use clear transitions. For example, a change in the character's surroundings or a specific line like 'As he walked down the street, he was suddenly back in that old classroom...' can signal a flashback. Also, make sure the flashback is relevant to the current plot. Don't just throw in a random memory for no reason.

Consider setting up your own website to sell your novel books. This gives you more control over the process. You can include detailed descriptions, reviews if you have any, and have a secure payment system. It may take some effort to drive traffic to your website initially, but it can be a great long - term solution.

One great way is to start with a vivid description. For example, describe a strange or beautiful place where the story is about to unfold. It immediately grabs the reader's attention. Another way is to begin with an interesting dialogue. It can create mystery and make the reader wonder what's going on between the characters. Also, starting with a surprising event or statement can hook the reader right from the start.

You could focus on highlighting unique features like in-flight entertainment or special services. Maybe mention the airline's safety record and modern fleet.