Strong writers often begin stories in the middle of the action. This technique grabs the reader’s attention immediately and pulls them into the story.
Today, you will write a short story that starts the exact moment something happens. Do not explain what happened before. Do not describe the setting first. Your job is to drop the reader into the action and let them figure things out as the story unfolds.
You are going to practice this technique by choosing ONE of the opening lines below. Then you are going to use this line as the starting point for your creative story.
- “Run!” someone screamed, but I didn’t move.
- The lights flickered, and everything went silent.
- I grabbed the bag and bolted for the exit.
- Something was breathing behind me.
- The message on my phone made my stomach drop.
- The floor gave out beneath my feet.
Worksheet:
