Writing Lesson 10 - An Imaginative Story Beginning

Now that you have a story map, a setting with excellent imagery (Where are you? What it looks/feels like, etc.?), and have determined from which point of view your story will be written you are now ready to begin writing your story beginning. Your first paragraph must catch your reader's attention with something unusual, unexpected, fast action, or a conflict. The paragraph should not only describe your setting physically but also emotionally.

 

      “Gretchen, Gretchen, come quickly! They’re coming. Help me close the drawbridge. Hurry!” Luther bellowed as his tall, lanky body dashed towards the castle’s only doorway.

     Gretchen gathered up the huge handfuls of ruffles and lace on the bottom of her frock as she awkwardly raced towards the drawbridge chains. As soon as Luther cleared the doorway, Gretchen pulled on the chains with all her might. The ancient pulleys groaned and creaked, but the wooden platform slowly began to rise.

      Luther grabbed the chain on the other side and soon the drawbridge was securely locked. “What’s going on, Luther?”

     Breathlessly Luther told Gretchen that not a half a mile from the castle he saw the entire Scotten army dressed in full body armor advancing towards the castle.

 Look back at the completed example of story map on page 104, and then look at the completed setting chart on page 116. Now read this story beginning based on the two.



Questions to Discuss

·         Does this story beginning begin with something unusual, unexpected, fast action, or a conflict?

·         What do you know about Gretchen from the story beginning? What do you know about Luther?

·         Where does this story take place? How do you know?

·         What do you know about the castle so far?

·         What is the conflict of the story?

·         Does this story beginning make you want to read the rest of the story?

Choose the best story opening from each pair below.

  1. After a long, tiring day of hiking on the Appalachian Trial, I decided to make camp by a quiet looking stream. I couldn't wait to just sit by the warm, flickering fire. My mouth watered as I thought about the turkey leg I was planning to roast. I began gathering dry kindling when my thoughts were interrupted by a deep, howling sound. I froze listening, listening to the sound of leaves crunching right behind me. The hair on the back of my neck stood up, as I slowly pivoted around to see what my fate would be.
  2. I was walking through the woods, backpack thrown over one shoulder, when I heard a wolf howl.

Which story opening is the best - 1 or 2? _______________
Is it an example of something unusual, unexpected, fast action, or a conflict?

  1. Once upon a time there was a boy named Michael. At only nine years old he had to leave home to become a page in a castle across the country from his home. Michael was afraid when he first saw the dark and gloomy castle that was to be his home for the next five years.
  2. Just the North Tower loomed above the dense fog that surrounded Castle Bramble. The thick misty glow hid the crumbing stone and rusty iron gates of the ancient building. Each step Michael took towards the gloomy castle led him closer to his new home. Michael stared up into to the darkening sky as he wondered what awaited him in this frightening place.

Which story opening is the best - 1 or 2? _______________
Is it an example of something unusual, unexpected, fast action, or a conflict?

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  1. The children crouched in the corner hiding behind the bed as the knock sounded again. “Shhh!” whispered the largest boy to his younger sister. “They can’t find us.”
  2. The children hid from the strangers. They were hiding behind the bed in the corner of the bedroom.

Which story opening is the best - 1 or 2? _______________
Is it an example of something unusual, unexpected, fast action, or a conflict?

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  1. “I can’t believe you are late AGAIN! This is the THIRD time this month! Just where have you been? NO, I don’t want to know. You’re FIRED!! Leave!” Matthew’s boss screeched at him as he rushed in the front door of the restaurant. Matthew slowly turned and walked out with his head down. How could he possible explain this to his mother?
  2. Matthew rushed into the front doors of the restaurant. Once again he had stopped to talk to Melinda on his way to work and once again he was late. His boss glared at him saying, "I will not put up with this. You're fired!"

Which story opening is the best - 1 or 2? _______________
Is it an example of something unusual, unexpected, fast action, or a conflict?

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  1. The plane took off and headed towards New York with Steven on board.
  2. Steven’s stomach clenched as the plane taxied towards the runway. This was his first time riding on an airplane. A million dismal thoughts raced in and out of his mind. “How can a plane this size take off? Will I be OK? Am I going to die? . . .”

Which story opening is the best - 1 or 2? _______________
Is it an example of something unusual, unexpected, fast action, or a conflict?

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Now you are ready to write your story beginning.