Beyond the Blank Page: How to write opening paragraphs
 |
| A Curious Opening Reverses Expectations |
Although there are infinite possible ways of leading into an
essay, blog, or news article, there are some common opening gambits that
writers rely on (like a game of chess). Before outlining the Seven Openings,
here are some points to think about:
Is your aim to engage the reader by being relevant,
creative, and original?
Are you trying to arouse curiosity or to meet expectations?
Are you explaining what’s on offer (like a menu), or
offering a taster session?
In a promotional sense you want to encourage the reader to
come through the door: to enter your mental world. Some readers are reluctant,
suspicious people who need to be coaxed into your space. Remember that your aim
is a happy relationship between writer and reader; not a divorce.
Sometime it is helpful to signal or summarize what your
topic is, and how you will be approaching it (methodology). In academic essays
there is often a well-crafted thesis statement that encapsulates the main
argument in one sentence.
1. The Quoted Opening
"As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he
found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect." Franz Kafka, The
Metamorphosis (1916). My transformation happened over three lazy weeks, but it was not any less
wonderful... Begin with an impressive quotation from someone who will be
recognised by your reader. A well chosen quotation can also have the advantage
that it provides an unusual angle on your content. Also, it may hint at the
tone and approach you are taking to your topic. In academic essays marks may
also be gained for evidence of research. Disadvantages: quotations can be over
used (clichés); you are relying on someone else’s work at the outset.
2. The Story Opening
"I write this sitting in the kitchen sink."
Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle (1948). A story has a universal appeal and everyone wants to know
what happens next if there is an element of intrigue. This opening plays on the
art of the unexplained: look where I am; how did I arrive at this point. This
approach also involves the art of delayed resolution (ending) that we find in
jokes or anecdotes. A story that is relevant to the reader also plays on
empathy.
3. The Headline Opening
Read more about 15 of the Most Iconic Newspaper Headlines Ever Printed Cartridge Save Blog by CreativeCloud from the UK's leading supplier of printer cartridges
4. The Shocking Opening
Shock tactics may fit well with an eye-catching sensational
opening. Often the trick is to reverse normal expectations, turning the world
upside down. The element of surprise can be very effective, but it may be
difficult to sustain after the initial impact. Build your special effects using rhetorical drama
(pattern, pace, rhythm, alliteration) and memorable literary devices
(such as simile or metaphor).
5. The Interrogatory Opening
This opening relies on asking questions that engage the
reader. This may involve empathy (Don’t you just hate daytime marketing calls? Why
do we want to laugh in a moment of crisis?); or it may interrogate the
title/heading in a curious or surprising way (Why do most disasters happen on
Thursday mornings?). But too many questions leave the reader frustrated or
perhaps impatient to hear the answers. Avoid this problem by asking unusual, thought-provoking questions.
6. The Summary Opening
This opening offers a preview of the remainder of the essay.
It’s rather like a menu that explains what to expect and offers an insight into
your approach (how the steak will be cooked; is the food spicy). The risk is
that you give away all the surprises at the outset. So try to avoid going into
too much detail at this stage. Better to give a sense of the general scope of
your project, rather than trying to tick every box.
7. The Strange, but True, Opening
This is also known as the newsworthy or factual opening. ‘In
Great Britain
in 2012 it is reported that 3,678 babies swallowed an iPhone. All but one
survived. This is his story...’ Common features of this approach deploy data,
or statistics, but also develop a human angle on the arithmetic. Again, eye-catching news reverses expectations: the "Man Bites Dog" Rule.
8. The Connoisseur Opening
This opening does not fit any of the above categories, or it
is a hybrid strategy that deploys several styles of opening. Sometimes it is a low-key opening that marks the innovator. In 1913, Marcel Proust began his epic novel sequence, "For a long time, I went to bed early." Swann's Way. (tr. Lydia
Davis).
Tips to Develop Your Style:
Use a notebook, or simply cut and paste opening sentences
and paragraphs which in your view are engaging and appealing. Also note down why you think they are effective. It’s
also useful to make a list of your own categories of opening. For instance,
what are there differences between factual items and literary fiction? What
else is required in an essay for school or college? Why are some openings
longer than others?
It is worthwhile examining existing models of great writing,
but with practice you will craft engaging openings that bear your personal
stamp of creative genius.
© Dr Ian McCormick.
But please do contact me if you want to
use this article as a guest post on your blog.
With attribution offered I seldom refuse!
Comments
Post a Comment
My blog posts are exploratory rather than finished works. You are invited to add any comments below...