1.
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” — 1984 by George Orwell
Why it works: It’s eerie and offbeat. The world is familiar—until that last word.
Takeaway: A small twist can instantly signal something isn’t quite right.
2.
“Call me Ishmael.” — Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Why it works: Short, confident, and mysterious. Why this name? Who’s he talking to?
Takeaway: A bold voice can pull readers in immediately.
3.
“The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” — The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Why it works: It launches us into action. Pursuit. Mystery. High stakes.
Takeaway: A dynamic moment can ground the reader fast.
4.
“Phoebe Somerville outraged everyone by bringing a French poodle and a Hungarian lover to her father’s funeral.” — It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Why it works: It’s character-rich, outrageous, and instantly sets tone and conflict.
Takeaway: Introduce your protagonist with bold personality and complications.
5.
“Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself.” — Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Why it works: It’s simple, but layered with context and emotion we’ll soon uncover.
Takeaway: Everyday moments can feel profound if you build the right voice.
6.
“All this happened, more or less.” — Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Why it works: It’s funny, casual, and disarming. A meta wink.
Takeaway: Playful or self-aware narration can create instant connection.
7.
“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.” — To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Why it works: Immediate intrigue—what happened and why?
Takeaway: Start with a compelling event and let your narrator guide us through.
8.
“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born…” — The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Why it works: Conversational, voicey, and slightly rebellious—just like the story.
Takeaway: Let your narrator’s voice lead.
9.
“The sun shone, having no alternative, on the nothing new.” — Murphy by Samuel Beckett
Why it works: Stark, ironic, and deeply philosophical.
Takeaway: If your novel is high-concept or literary, start with a thought that sets the mood.
10.
“I write this sitting in the kitchen sink.” — I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Why it works: Quirky, specific, and unforgettable.
Takeaway: Detail and voice can make a scene instantly vivid.
Quick Tips
- Start with motion or tension, not exposition.
- Avoid weather and waking-up clichés.
- Let the tone reflect the rest of your book.
- Don’t overthink—clarity beats cleverness.
- Specificity creates instant imagery.
Revision Checklist
✅ Does my opening line hint at a larger story?
✅ Does it introduce voice, mood, or character?
✅ Is it intriguing without being confusing?
✅ Does it feel fresh—not like a scene I’ve read 100 times?
✅ Will it appeal to the kind of reader I want to attract?
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it count.