Writing a novel feels both magical and terrifying if you’ve never done it before. But here’s the thing: it’s really not as impossible as it seems. Most people have at least one good story rattling around in their head. The difference between writers and everyone else? We’re stubborn enough to actually sit down and get it on paper.
That blank page staring back at you? Yeah, I get it. Starting is brutal. But I’ve picked up some tricks over the years that make those first few sentences way less painful.
Just Get Started
Writer’s block is a sneaky beast. Sometimes your brain feels completely empty. Other times you write a paragraph and immediately want to delete it forever. Here’s what I learned: those feelings lie to you.
You can’t be a writer without actually writing. Sounds obvious, but we forget this constantly. Just start putting words down. Create an outline if that helps you feel less lost, but don’t let perfectionism paralyze you.
All that other stuff you’re worried about? Deal with it in editing. First drafts are supposed to be messy.
Examine Famous Examples
Want to know how to hook readers? Study the masters. Grab a handful of your favorite books and read their opening lines. Then read their closing lines too.
Ask yourself: Why does this work? What grabbed me immediately? Where exactly does the story begin, and why did the author choose that moment?
I’ve done this exercise with everything from literary fiction to mystery novels. You start noticing patterns, and more importantly, you figure out what kind of opening fits your story’s personality.
Write a Few of Them
Can’t decide on your opening line? Write five different versions. Write ten if you want to. Try starting each chapter multiple ways, or work backward from the ending.
This isn’t wasted time. Having options takes the pressure off that “perfect” first sentence. Plus, experimenting with different openings often sparks completely new ideas for your plot.
Save everything you don’t use. I have a folder full of discarded opening lines that I’ve recycled into other stories later.
Don’t Start with the Opening Scene
Here’s something that blew my mind when I first heard it: you don’t have to write your book in order. If Chapter 7 is calling to you louder than Chapter 1, go write Chapter 7.
Too many writers get stuck thinking they must nail that opening scene before moving forward. That’s nonsense. You’re the author. Start wherever inspiration hits you hardest.
Sometimes writing the middle or ending first actually helps you figure out where your story should really begin.
Write Keywords First
When full sentences feel impossible, try single words instead. Jot down concepts, emotions, images that capture what your story is about. “Betrayal.” “Thunderstorm.” “Grandmother’s ring.”
Keywords let you capture ideas faster than complete thoughts. Once you have a list, you can play around with turning those concepts into actual opening lines.
This trick works especially well when you know the mood or theme of your story but can’t quite find the right words yet.