@MateoTrujillo7
(forgot to add onto 3. 'Once Upon a Time'.
If you're writing a children's story, fine, but if not... XD
So now for my do's.
When I start a story, I pay little mind to the reader.
No that is not a typo. I seriously could not care less when beginning a story whether the reader knows what's going on or not. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn't. I like to think it draws a reader in, makes them want to know what's happening and why, and compels them to keep reading.
That's just my theory anyway.
When I start, I normally begin in the middle. I have always been terrible at deciding when to start a story, and as a result, the beginnings tended to simply drag out until I eventually just gave up and started whenever.
I began to write from the middle of the story, and flesh it out from there. I didn't do the introductions thing, I didn't do the whole, 'tell the reader what I look like by looking in the mirror acting totally vain while trying to be completely humble and contrite' That is weak writing. Don't do that.
Alright, example.
No.
[I opened my eyes and groaned, covering my eyes from the sun that shone through my curtains, wishing I could go back to sleep.]
First sentence and I'm kind of wanting to sleep myself.
Yes.
[I grumbled as I ate my bacon and eggs, watching my parents fight for the millionth time over the same stupid thing.]
Okay, maybe not worthy of a story starter but it's a major improvement on 'Woke up' The second one you at least want to know what their parents are fighting about, and why. There are questions, a feel for the MC already, instead of just knowing their morning habits rather than anything important.
I'm sorry I can't give you anything more insightful but I'm figuratively dead on my feet with a barely functioning brain right now. I'm actually pretty proud of myself for writing as much as I have already.
I would love to read a story of yours if you post it, if you'd like my opinion? (Opinion not critique)