Esther Chilton

The Shock Factor

Last week, I suggested using dialogue when you open your short story. Dialogue is an excellent way to begin and to involve your reader. Another effective way is to open with a statement. A one line statement makes the opening even stronger and can really draw your reader in. Here are some examples:

• If I’d known I was going to die today, I’d have stayed in bed.
• Matthew couldn’t believe it – his vile secret was out.
• I’ve done something terrible and it can’t be undone.
• As Sylvie fell from the building the strangest things whirled through her mind.

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