Unlocking the Mystery: Crafting the Perfect First Sentence for Your Paranormal High School Novel

Embarking on the journey of writing a paranormal high school mystery novel can be an exhilarating adventure, but starting it off with the right first sentence is crucial. This initial sentence sets the tone and draws readers into the exciting world you've created. Let’s delve into some examples and strategies to help you craft a line that stands out and captures your audience's attention.

Introducing the Genre: Elements to Consider

Paranormal literature encompasses a wide array of supernatural elements, including ghosts, vampires, zombies, and demons. Each of these elements can be woven into the fabric of your story, setting a unique and intriguing tone. Here are some examples to inspire your opening:

Ghosts:

“My mum always kept salt in her handbag, just in case.”

Vampires:

“I never liked Thursdays that’s when I had teachers name.”

Zombies:

“The bus arrived as if out of nowhere. How did he know they thought?”

Demons:

“They rose from the gymnasium earth under their nails and insects in their hair.”

Creating an Enigmatic Opening

To craft a first sentence that truly captures attention, focus on immersing readers in the character's world and prompting them to ask questions. Here’s a detailed example:

The First Day of School:

On the first day of school, Johnny walked to the bus stop as usual. But today, the thoughts of the passersby echoed loudly in his head. He commented on conversations that no one else seemed to overhear. Bus arrived as if out of nowhere. How did he know they thought it?

As he boarded the bus, a mysterious voice whispered in his ear, ‘Check out the bathroom.’ That’s when Johnny saw the blood. Cindy’s hair was frying with a smoothing iron, and she began to scream. The vampire cheerleaders glared at him as he answered the detective’s questions.

Strategies for Engaging Opening Lines

To make your first sentence effective, consider the following strategies:

1. Create Puzzles

Use a sentence to create a puzzle that readers will want to solve. For example:

“My mum always kept salt in her handbag, just in case.” “I never liked Thursdays, that’s when the shadows seemed to deepen.”

2. Highlight Unusual Sensory Experiences

Including unusual sensory experiences can draw readers in:

“The bus arrived as if out of nowhere, and no one else seemed to notice the ominous thoughts around them.” “The rhythmic beat pounded through my feet, words not heard by others.”

3. Show, Don’t Tell

Vivid descriptions and actions can engage readers more effectively than exposition:

“The vampire cheerleaders’ eyes glinted with a predatory light as they cornered me.” “The blood pooled on the bathroom floor, shining like a lamp in the dim light.”

Conclusion

Remember, your opening sentence is the first impression your readers will have. It’s your chance to hook them and draw them into the world of your novel. Avoid overly descriptive or explanatory first sentences that might detract from the mystery and intrigue. Instead, focus on creating a compelling and enigmatic beginning that will make readers want to know more. Start small, let your imagination run wild, and never be afraid to experiment with different approaches to find the perfect first line for your story.