Story Starter Writing Tips

It is said that stories can unlock the gates of imagination, inspiring us to look beyond the mundane and discover the extraordinary. Tales of old, woven with threads of magic and mystery, can enthral us with their mysterious beginnings. The words ‘once upon a time’ often mark the start of a captivating story, captivating us and filling us with wonder and anticipation. 

Yet there are several more diverse ways of setting the tone for a story. Authors have used a range of expressions to cast an enchanting spell on their readers, taking them on a journey to a new and distant land. ‘Long ago’, ‘many moons ago’, ‘in days of yore’ and ‘in the depths of time’ all provide alternative phrases to begin a story, each one evoking the image of a distant time in the past. Similarly, phrases such as ‘in a land far away’ and ‘once there was a kingdom, beyond the furthest hills’ can be used to hint at the setting of the story. 

The opening lines of a story are essential to draw the reader in and set the stage for the rest of the narrative. As authors strive to captivate their audience and create an atmosphere of awe and mystery, they need to make wise choices when selecting the phrase to mark the start of their tale. Whether they choose to use traditional expressions such as ‘once upon a time’ or creative alternatives, each sentence can spark curiosity and ignite our imagination in ways we never thought possible.

Cindy Ettienne-Murphy BA(Hons)n QTS Cert Ed QTS NPQH MCCT