writercises | TECH: Eight Opening Options (moldy oldie) (Reply)

Original Posting 2 May 2011

Fair warning! I found a stack of articles that I had pulled out of Writer's Digest to look at later. Since they are turning brown, it must be later, right? So, without further ado, here's a moldy oldie!

In June 1991, Writer's Digest, pages 37 to 39, had an article by Hans Ostrom. The title is "Eight Opening Options" with two sidebars. One on how to start starting, and one on testing your openings by Susan Ioannou. Let's take a look at them, shall we?

"Because the short story form demands so much purpose and precision from each of its elements, your opening page or scene -- even your first sentence -- is key to unlocking the potential of character, conflict, theme and everything else. Your story cannot just begin; it must open in a way that supports whatever you wish to accomplish in the tale."

Hans then goes on to describe eight different opening strategies, along with the reason for each one. The strategies are:

1. Conflict. Some stories start with a declaration of the conflict. This works best for stories where the conflict is fierce and obvious.

2. Character. Put the reader inside the mind of the main character. Especially useful when the story turns around the interactions of the characters. Use this when character is crucial.

3. Combine conflict and character. Give us a glimpse of the central conflict, filtered through a strong character voice. A natural for first-person stories.

4. Dialogue. Often a mini-conflict pointing toward a larger problem, two or more people talking can draw the reader right into the drama. Good for any story that involves a problematic relationship.

5. Suggestive setting description. A striking image that hints at the characters' lives. Avoid personifying. If the setting lends itself to a suggestive, vivid opening, start with that image.

6. Character description. Similarly, if characters are intriguing or interesting, you can use this to draw readers in. When the theme or conflict is sparked by one character being interested in another, show the reader how curious this person is.

7. Express a Desire. Many conflicts start with someone wishing or desiring something (not to mention Buddha's insight that attachment is at the root of all). When longing is key to the conflict, let your main character tell us what they want from the beginning.

8. Frame the Theme. An oldie, but sometimes just saying it is best. Especially if you can frame the theme in a startling or unusual way.

The best way to use this list is probably to refine and sharpen beginnings that aren't quite ready for prime time. In other words, write the story. Then go back and look at your opening, and consider which one you used. Consider the other possibilities. Then pick the one that really fits your story, and shape that. Feel free to experiment, too!

Sidebar: How to Start Starting

Sometimes we get hung up trying to write the beginning of the story, and never really get to the rest of the story. Some notions to avoid this:

1. Pick an element that sparks your interest, and start writing about it.
Character description, image, line of dialogue, whatever -- just get started.
2. Take a detour. Deliberately write the second paragraph, and keep going. Come back later and see if you really need another beginning.
3. Write any scene that's already vivid in your mind. Remember, while your completed story will start here and go on until you finish, you can write it in any order, and revise. Start with something that's pleasant, that you want to write. Fill in the other parts later.
4. Write against your habits. Do you feel strong on description and character, but weak on conflict and plot? Start with action! Work against your inclinations.

Sidebar 2: Testing Your Openings by Susan Ioannou

Take a look at the six strong helpers -- who, what, when, where, why and how -- that reporters try to make sure they have covered. Test your opening.

Who? Are there details for each main character? More than one, and distinctive?
What? Conflict! When do you provide details on the conflict to the reader?
When? Is there a specific time shown, or at least hinted at? Date? Which season is this?
Where? Is the location visible? Is there a setting, or are the characters just floating?
Why? Are there details that explain the background for the main character's motivation?
How? Is the foreshadowing of problems, possible solutions, and where the story might go shown?

Sure, you want some mystery, suspense, etc. in your story. But by and large, you should be providing enough details to your readers that they feel satisfied.

Okay? Here's tink's assignment for you to try. First, take a work-in-progress or a story that you'd like to polish up a bit. Now... pick a number from one to eight? And here's what you've picked:

1. Conflict.
2. Character.
3. Combine conflict and character.
4. Dialogue..
5. Suggestive setting description.
6. Character description.
7. Express a Desire.
8. Frame the Theme.

Your assignment? Take that story and rewrite the beginning to your new style. See how well that works, and consider whether it is an improvement or not on your original opening. For bonus points, look at the list and pick another type of opening -- and rewrite that way, too. If your new version of the opening doesn't work, take some time to look at why and think about what this reveals about this kind of opening and about your story.

So -- openings are just the beginning. But they are important. So take the time to practice different kinds, and make sure that you use the best one for the story you want to tell.

Write?