## Metadata - Author: [[Simon Whaley]] - Full Title: In The Beginning … - Category: #articles - Summary: Five techniques to grab your readers’ interest - URL: https://writingcooperative.com/in-the-beginning-3df8c2a7e799?source=rss----6e9c0c9fd682---4 ## Full Document #### Five techniques to grab your readers’ interest Photo by [Brett Jordan](https://unsplash.com/@brett_jordan?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&utm_medium=referral) It is a truth universally acknowledged that over 98.276% of all first-draft beginnings could be improved dramatically. Okay, I made that up, but as a writing tutor and occasional competition judge, I frequently read beginnings that fail to grab my interest. Whether you’re writing an article, a short story or a novel, the beginning has to hook your reader and draw them into your piece. If you don’t, your reader won’t be bothered to find out what happens next. And don’t forget, the first reader who sees your work is an editor or publisher. So if your writing doesn’t grab them by the scruff of the neck, then it won’t even get the opportunity to do so with any other readers. Here are five ways to strengthen your beginnings: ### Cut the first two paragraphs. When we’re writing that first draft, it can take us a few sentences to get things sorted out in our head as to what it is we really want to say. Even if we’ve planned an outline, those first few written phrases are merely us finding our way into our thoughts. [](http://www.simonwhaley.co.uk)Making drastic cuts at the top can improve your beginning © Simon Whaley I’ve read many short stories where writers begin with a description of their main character, or travel articles that begin with deciding what to pack in one’s suitcase. For first drafts, this isn’t a problem, but the editing process is where you need to take a closer look at what you’ve written. Does the opening sentence grab your attention? Does it hold it all the way through to the end of the first paragraph? If not, drastic action is needed. Try cutting the first two paragraphs. Now start reading your piece. It’s surprising how often paragraph three works brilliantly as your opening paragraph. Try it! ### Use a startling statement. A startling statement or fact can be a great way to grab a potential reader’s attention. Look back at the first sentence of this piece: I said that 98.276% of all first-draft beginnings could be improved dramatically. Admittedly, this isn’t a fact, but I bet it made you stop and…