What is a good way to start a book?

Question

I am writing a book, but I've barely started, and I have writers block. What is a good way to start the book (i.e. a first sentence)? There's this guy running through the woods. I don't know if I should start off with just action or what, but I want it to be exciting.

Alrighty, so far I have:

Armeniol was running. Running for his life. ‘Why am I being chased?’ he thought. ‘Is this an assassin chasing after me?’ Thoroughly confused, he...

S'that sound good?

Here's the newest updated version:

Armeniol was running. Running for his life. ‘Why am I being chased?’ he thought. ‘Is this an assassin who’s after me?’
Thoroughly confused, he dashed through the forest, darting right and left to avoid the ominous shapes of the trees. In the distance, he could hear the clanking of the robotic dogs sent to kill him. Their barking cries sounded like un-oiled hinges, and fingernails on a blackboard.
He looked around frantically. Through the trees, just off to his right, he could see the shape of a dog. Its robotic muscles bulged as they pounded the ground, its metallic brown fur glistening in the moonlight.
His heart pounding in his chest, Armeniol put on a burst of speed. He burst into a clearing...

Answer 1

Okay, one of the most important things to remember when writing your first sentence is that that sentence is what draws the reader in, that is followed by the first paragraph.
Usually when a reader goes into a book store looking for a good read, they usually go by their fave author, but when they find your book they see that the blurb sounds interesting, what’s the next thing they are going to read? The first sentence, paragraph and page. They need to feel excitement and wondering what's going to happen next, so you only imagine how important this section needs to be. As a writer, it is your job to do this and it is also the hardest part of writing a novel (followed by the ending). Never rely on you editor or agent to do this.
As you write it, there is no doubt you will get stumbled, but that's okay, you need to spend most of your effort into this section, its the section that needs the most work, the most editing, more re-writes. Once you're past that, then it gets easier. Don't worry if its not right the first time, or the second time, or the thirtieth for that matter (you will need to re-edit the whole story quite a few times), just continue with the story for now and come back to it later, when you're finished with the rough draft.
Also, try to remember that there is no such thing as Writers Block, there is only the loss of determination and perseverance.
All writers have trouble with the first page, (lord knows how long mine took) but we persevere and that’s how we win.
To anyone that says writing is easy, go try it and prove yourself wrong.
Stay stubborn with your writing and reap the benefits.

Answer 2

With out looking behind, just ran, ran like no other. Finally came to an abandoned barn thinking this could be his safe haven. He thought for a moment, and then preceeded to enter this dark ramshakled place. As he opened the door decorated with cobwebs, and abiance of pure unknown he entered. As he stood there knowing he was finally away from the metal devils he wondered what would be in store next. Things just didn't seem right. Just imagine, that is what I do, I have a very vivid imagination and even like others had mentioned if it doesn't make sense then go back and edit. Just and idea of ideas thrown together. Good Luck

Answer 3

Try just free writing. Dont think about anything just write. Don't worry about whether or not its going to sound good right off the start. Thats what rough drafts and editors are for. As far as I first sentence I cant give ya one of those. But when I was writing my childrens book id spend days just free writing and then I would find maybe a few sentences I liked from day one and a few sentences I like from day 6 and id put them together to make a paragraph. Atleast thats how I did it.

Answer 4

Where is Ameniol running from? Where is he running to? Is he just running for lack of knowing what to do? What has happened to cause him to frantically run for his life into the woods? What has transpired in the last few hours to cause this thing or person to hunt him. You mentioned assassin- why what have you done to bring this on to you? Assassins just don't assassinate for no reason at all. Who would pay this assassin to complete his/her mission. Where will you go after you get out of the woods?
Will he have a safe place to go to? Who will be able to assist him in his needs?
Hopefully this is enough to break writer's block
GramSam

Answer 5

My name was Ishmael.
The damned branch hit me in the face for the third time.
When the deer jumped up in front of me, I fell and the bullet aimed at my head hit the tree beyond us.
It was a dark and stormy night and I was lost, again.
I was running in the woods and when two guys ran past me, I knew I was in trouble. I didn't bother to look back, but ran from the crunching sound.

Answer 6

Put your self in his postion and try to think about what he's gone through, or what he will go through. Think about what you would do in his position. If it helps, you can also just write freely. DOn't think about grammer, puncution, or anything. Just keep writing and eventually, something you really like will just appear on the paper in front of you, and you can edit out, edit in, whatever you want.

Answer 7

Armeniol's heart was pounding in his chest, he could hardly think, his feet just took him forward through the overgrown forest.

OK, tell me what you think of it! its the best I can do. Please tell me what if it was good enough.
Glad I could help

Answer 8

the way u began i think is the excellent beginning. send me acopy of ur book when finish.thank u very much

Answer 9

anything but "once upon a time"

i think how you have started off is good

Answer 10

a tragedy. like someone dying. it draws the reader in immediately