The time has come to begin writing your next novel. But how do you start? You will have written the storyline, but you are not sure what opening scene of the book will be the best to engage the reader. The opening scene is by far the most important as it sets the tone and mood for the entire novel.

I have listed a few openings that are popular, but these can be mixed and matched in whatever way you choose.

A great opening that is used in horror or disaster novels is the foreshadow opening. The reader can foresee the events that will happen later in the story, which the protagonist will be unaware of. Similarly, you could disclose to the reader a piece of information that the protagonist is unaware of. This is going to obstruct their goal greatly later in the story. This places the reader in a prevailing position, which will build tension and suspense. 

The most common opening is where you introduce the protagonist immediately. In the first chapter you will meet the main character and antagonist, and understand what their goal is and why they oppose each other. This makes an exciting opening which engages the reader instantly.

You can also begin the novel by describing an average day in the main character's life, before something happens that throws their life into chaos. The main character is then set on a journey to resolve the problem, so his life can return to normal. Another example would be the main character looking for a fresh start. They arrive in a new town with optimism. However, the happiness will be short-lived as they realise the place or people living there are not what they seem.

A great opening, if you have two storylines running concurrently, is to use a narrator. Plot 2 would be the main character reflecting on past events in their life, which have had a deep impact on them, and describing their feelings and thoughts. Plot 1 would be the main storyline. However, the narrator does not have to be the main character. You could also use another character to describe an important, life changing time in the protagonist's past that shaped their present behaviour.

A viewpoint opening would start with the protagonist speaking. Here the reader will gain an insight into their values and beliefs. You can also include here any bitterness they may hold because of their life history. The story will be given an immediate structure, which you can use to change the character later in the novel. For instance, they may hold a grudge against women because of a destructive past relationship. The change will come when they meet a woman that dispels the negative thought pattern.

The final opening example is where the protagonist recalls an important time in their life, where they had to make a major decision that changed their life forever. This is used primarily in murder mystery and thriller novels. This choice must be filled with an emotional dilemma, which the protagonist must pay the consequences for. For example, were they witness to a crime and did not report it?

I hope you now have some ideas on how to write that first scene.