The first sentence of any story should grab the reader and make them want to read more.

Stephen King once said, "An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this."

So, to continue with my example How I Learned to Drive a Stick Shift Car, my opening line might be: One day I decided to kill my baby brother.

On the worksheet I want you to think about an opening line for your story.

Jot down the first thing that comes to mind.

Read it aloud and ask yourself if it sets the tone for your story. Is your story humorous and light-hearted or is it serious?

Play around and come up with a couple of revisions of your opening sentence.

When you’ve settled on the one you think is the strongest, write it in the space at the bottom of the worksheet.

Remember, to download the worksheet by clicking the button below.

04 Memoir Moments Lesson 4: Your First Sentence

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Memoir Moments