You have your story in front of you. You have worked and sweated over this piece for weeks. The last thing you want to do is find all of its problems, but it must be done. The best place to start is the beginning. I have spoken to editors who say that most stories submitted to literary magazines are decided upon by the first page. If the first page is not intriguing then they toss it. If it is good, then they pass it on for consideration. Your story depends on its beginning. Make sure your beginning is clear and it invloves the reader to the point that they will not discard the story. Your story may need a subtle start or a slam bang beginning depending on the content. It is at your discretion.
For example, one of my stories started with a character's thoughts. Denise hadn't been in touch with her mother for three years. She's attending the funeral of her grandmother. She thinks...I will not be anyone other than myself. Mother will just have to deal with it. This line is wrong for my story. I am giving away the entire plot. It sets the reader up to possibly think of my protagonist as naieve. I will be changing that beginning. Go on your instinct as a reader. What would you like to see when you read?
Go To Page: 1 2