Pick a clear goal for the story’s opening
Choose the main character and their immediate situation
Establish the setting quickly (place, time, key context)
Introduce a problem, question, or tension right away
Show action or a strong moment to pull readers in
Add a specific detail that signals tone and theme
Hint at what the character wants (and what stands in the way)
Create an inciting incident or a near-inciting disruption early
Maintain a consistent narrative voice and style
End the opening with a hook that pushes toward the next scene
Keep the first scene focused on setup and momentum