Date: Fri, 9 Jun 1995 16:14:59 EDT From: ye little student Subject: EXERCISE: Opening the Door Comments: To: the unstoppable mills [Opening the door, he called for volunteers. Eight brawny lads wedged themselves solidly in the doorway, blocking the whole enterprise...] Let us suppose that you have a story idea (perhaps from one of my earlier exercises). You have even written up part or all, but somehow, the beginning just isn't quite there yet... Can you imagine being in this situation? If so, here's a little exercise to help out. Pick at least three numbers from 1 to 8 (okay, okay, you can use dice if you want to. Roll one die three times--first roll is 1 to 6, second is 2 to 7, and third is 3 to 8.) Then look up the numbers in the following list of opening strategies, and write those alternatives. Write all three, then pick the best, or even combine them. A summary of "Eight Opening Options" by Hans Ostrom, June 1991, Writer's Digest, p. 37-39. 1. Conflict State the conflict flatly in the first sentence. This strategy works for any story in which the conflict is fierce and obvious. 2. Character Put your reader inside the head of the main character and suggest their relationships. Such an opener is adaptable to a variety of commercial and literary stories in which character is crucial. 3. Combine Conflict and Character Reveal conflict and get the main character talking. This kind of opener is a natural choice for first-person stories of all types, from horror to character studies. 4. Dialogue "Ever dream about doing anything kinky?" Julie asked. This opener lends itself to any story that springs from a problematic relationship of some kind. 5. Suggestive Setting Description A striking image (but avoid personifying nature). If you're working with a setting that lends itself to a suggestive, vivid opener, start with an image of the landscape. 6. Character Description A bit of mystery, a bit of suspense about someone? If your theme or conflict springs from one character being intrigued by another, let the reader feel this curiousity, too. 7. Express a Desire I wish... If longing is the key to the conflict of your story, let your main character express that emotion at the outset. 8. Frame the Theme If the theme is intriguing, try an abstract or formal statement. Although seemingly more suited to essays than fiction, this opening strategy may work precisely because it is unorthodox. [He thought about it for a moment, then used dynamite to clear the blocked doorway. The brawny lads, fresh from the cartoon studios, just shook their heads after the blast, wiped soot from their faces, and grinned as they lept to their feet again, ready for the next thrilling act...] Keep Writing! tink