One of the first steps in writing a novel is finding inspiration. Inspiration can come from many sources including personal experiences, books, movies, music, nature, and even dreams. It's important to explore different avenues to find what sparks your creativity and gets your imagination flowing.

Starting off the first sentences of your novel is crucial to capturing your readers' attention right from the beginning.

Take, for example, the opening scene of "It only hurts at first" by Werley Nortreus,

"The first time I saw him, he was on fire. Not literally—but the way he moved, the way his presence pulled all the air out of the room, it felt like standing too close to something burning. He didn’t look at me right away. Just kept walking, smoke trailing behind him, even though there wasn’t any. I remember thinking: this is the kind of person you get hurt by. But I didn’t move. I couldn’t."

The author begins with a powerful and emotional moment that instantly pulls the reader into the story. By starting off with a scene that evokes strong emotions or curiosity, you can hook your audience and keep them engaged throughout the rest of the book. The key is to create a sense of intrigue or make a bold statement that leaves the reader wanting to know more.

In "Diary of an Oxygen Thief" by Anonymous, the opening scene is equally captivating, as the author uses a confessional tone to draw the reader in. By creating a sense of intimacy or secrecy right from the start, the author sets the stage for a deeply personal and compelling narrative.

"I liked hurting girls. Not in a physical way — not in the way that leaves bruises you can photograph. I mean emotionally. I liked watching them trust me, fall for me, hand me everything. And then I'd disappear. Or lie. Or worse. I told myself it was just a phase. But even phases have consequences."

Now, let's turn our attention to the prologue of "The Chilling Secrets of Cherry High" by Alayah Weaver, where the opening scene sets the stage for a gripping mystery that will unfold throughout the book.

"In the small town of Cherry Hill, nestled by the big mountains of Oregon, I lived in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods. Cherry Hill looked like a postcard town—old brick streets, cozy cafes, and friendly people waving hello as they passed by. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see things that aren’t quite as perfect. Beneath the town’s charm, there’s a darkness hiding in the cracks. Secrets are whispered in corners, and behind every smile, there’s a story you might wish you hadn’t heard.

My story began in high school—Friday night football games, Monday morning gossip. Teachers dating students, cheerleaders slipping out of class to meet their older boyfriends. What if I told you those boyfriends were college seniors, maybe even recent grads?"

Use 1–2 shocking details or secrets, and end with a question or chilling line that leaves the reader curious.

Chapter 1-

"I never understood how my Mom could afford to live in Cherry Hill. I wondered if she had been a prostitute or an exotic dancer when she was younger. Or maybe, back at the age of forty-five. All I knew was that she worked at a local restaurant and wanted to become a nurse."

1. Start with Curiosity or Confusion

"I never understood how my Mom could afford to live in Cherry Hill."

• Why this works: This sentence starts with a question or mystery — the narrator doesn’t understand something, and readers want to figure it out with them.

2. Sneak in Bold, Personal Thoughts

"I wondered if she had been a prostitute or an exotic dancer when she was younger. Or maybe, back at the age of forty-five."

• Why this works: It’s raw, bold, and a bit shocking. But it’s also personal. It tells you the narrator is honest, curious, maybe even a little judgmental — and that’s interesting.
• Plant secrets or assumptions that feel real. Don’t explain everything — leave some space for tension.

3. Anchor in Reality with Details

"All I knew was that she worked at a local restaurant and wanted to become a nurse."

• Why this works: You learn about the mom’s current situation and dreams, all in one line. This works because it's simple. No one wants to read a whole five paragraphs of his mom's life. NO ONE CARES YET!