How To Start A Story

Starting a new paragraph often hinges on a shift in perspective or time. When characters change their focus or when the scene transitions, it’s time to break. For example, if there's dialogue, give the speaker their own paragraph. This helps the reader follow who’s talking. I find that creating space for tension or a dramatic reveal also merits a new paragraph. It enhances the flow, keeps readers engaged, and makes the writing feel more polished. In stories, I love when the pacing alters, indicating a heartbeat for each new situation, especially during those big emotional beats. New paragraphs can really elevate the mood!

BookTok, TikTok’s community of book enthusiasts, started building momentum in late 2019 but truly skyrocketed in 2020, especially in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdowns. With people stuck at home, many turned to TikTok not just for entertainment, but for a sense of connection — and books quickly became a central theme in that online interaction. Although there's no official launch date, the hashtag #BookTok gained widespread traction around mid-2020. By late 2020 and into early 2021, the publishing industry began to take notice as older novels — such as The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera — began reappearing on bestseller charts thanks to viral TikTok posts.

Starting a BookTok is all about sharing your genuine love for books. You don’t need fancy equipment or editing skills—you just need to show up authentically and consistently. First, pick a niche. “Books” is a huge category, so narrow it down: do you love romance? Thrillers? YA fantasy? Dark academia? Having a focus helps you attract followers who love the same kinds of stories. Next, make your content engaging. People scroll quickly on TikTok, so your first 1–2 seconds must grab attention. Use strong hooks like “This book destroyed me in the best way” or “I haven’t stopped thinking about this ending.” Show the book cover, use music that fits the vibe, and show your face when possible—people connect with humans, not just covers. Engage with trends, but always make them bookish. If a sound is trending, use it to highlight your current read. Participate in challenges like “5-star predictions,” “reading wrap-ups,” or “unpopular book opinions.” Duets and stitches are also powerful tools—react to others’ BookTok videos to join the larger community. Consistency matters more than perfection. Try posting 2–4 times a week. Batch film if you’re busy—record several videos at once, then spread them out. Use hashtags like #booktok, #bookrecs, or more specific ones like #romancereads. Comment on other creators’ videos and reply to comments on yours—that helps the algorithm and builds community. Don’t worry if your first few videos flop. Keep learning, keep improving, and most importantly, keep reading! Passion is contagious on BookTok. When people see your love for stories, they’ll follow not just for recommendations—but for you. That’s when the magic really happens.

It had to be in 2009 that 'Jersey Shore' started dazzling our TV screens. The show shot to popularity overnight and thus turned into a cultural phenomenon, bringing us the confluence of so many wild personalities and so many unforgettable moments. Over the six seasons and a recent spin-off, its pop culture impact has been considerable.

Starting a fantasy novel can be daunting, but I always begin by immersing myself in the world I want to create. I sketch out the basic rules of magic or technology, the political landscape, and the cultures that inhabit it. For example, if I’m writing about a medieval-inspired world with dragons, I’ll decide how dragons interact with humans—are they feared, revered, or hunted? Then, I focus on the protagonist. They don’t have to be special from the start, but they should have a clear desire or conflict that drives the story. A tip I swear by is to drop readers into a scene that shows the world’s uniqueness, like a marketplace where spells are bartered like goods, or a quiet village hiding a dark secret. This hooks readers instantly without needing an info dump. My favorite example is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss, where the protagonist’s storytelling draws you into his world naturally.

Starting a romance novel is like lighting a fuse—you need that initial spark to set everything in motion. I always begin by figuring out the core dynamic between the leads. Are they enemies forced to work together? Childhood friends reuniting after years? Strangers thrown into an absurd situation? That first encounter is crucial—it should crackle with tension, whether it’s witty banter or a collision of conflicting goals. The key is making readers feel something immediately, even if it’s just curiosity or secondhand embarrassment. Setting matters too, but not in the way you’d think. A coffee shop or office romance can work if you inject freshness into it. Maybe the barista spills a latte on the CEO’s thousand-dollar suit, or the rivals are stuck in an elevator during a blackout. Stakes don’t have to be life-or-death, but they should matter deeply to the characters. I obsess over small details—a character biting their lip when nervous, or the way sunlight hits the other’s hair—because those moments make the emotional payoff land harder later. The worst mistake is info-dumping backstory upfront. Let the characters reveal themselves through actions. If the heroine avoids hospitals, show her fainting at a blood drive, don’t just state she’s traumatized. Romance lives in the gaps between what’s said and unsaid, so I weave in subtext like hidden threads. A gift given grudgingly, a hand almost touched then withdrawn—these tiny gestures build anticipation. The best openings make you lean in, wondering how these two idiots will ever admit they’re perfect for each other.

I've always been fascinated by mystery novels, and starting one is all about hooking the reader right from the first page. A great way to begin is by dropping the reader straight into a puzzling situation or a crime scene. For example, you could open with a character discovering something unsettling, like a cryptic note or an unexplained disappearance. The key is to create an immediate sense of curiosity. I love how 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn starts with Nick Dunne’s narration on the day his wife goes missing—it’s gripping and makes you want to know more. Another approach is to introduce a detective or amateur sleuth with a unique personality, like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, right as they’re presented with a case. The setting also plays a huge role; a foggy London street or a secluded mansion can set the perfect eerie tone. Keep the language crisp and avoid info-dumping; let the mystery unfold naturally.

Writing a fantasy book is an adventure in itself, and the key is to immerse your readers in a world that feels both magical and real. Start by brainstorming the core elements of your world—its history, magic system, and unique cultures. These details will shape your story naturally. For inspiration, I often turn to classics like 'The Lord of the Rings' or newer works like 'The Name of the Wind' to see how masters of the genre weave their tapestries. Once your world feels alive, focus on your protagonist. Give them clear desires and flaws that readers can root for or against. A strong opening scene is crucial—maybe your hero discovers a hidden power, or a dark prophecy unfolds. Keep the pacing tight but leave room for wonder. Remember, fantasy thrives on balance: epic battles need quiet moments, and grand quests need personal stakes.