How can I start my novel in an interesting way (details below...)?

Question

Well, I want to start my 1st chapter and I'm stuck.
How can I start it?
In my first chapter, there is a black-dressed man who goes to a forest during the Midnight, and wants to meet someone for a curious conversation (which, in fact, is the real enter to my story.)
But what should I do?
1)Start by describing the whole forest in the night and then write about the man?
2)Start directly by the man?

I love the detailed works.I'd go for the first one, but I don't know how to organise them.
Any ideas?
Thanx..

Answer 1

I would start with the action. Have him talk first and then describe the forest.



I will try to give an example but it might not be good. Ok here goes,



"You wanted to see me?" Damien said as he reached his destination.



"Yes, I thought you wouldn't come," said the black figure. "I thought you would've been too scared."



Damien snorted at the idea of being terrified. Who did he think he was? He was here after all and if he was scared then he wouldn't be standing in the middle of nowhere in the dark. As he looked around, he noticed all the trees were grouped together as if they huddled over to watch him. The leaves had fallen a few weeks ago and the twigs stretched out pointing at him like long bony fingers.



"If you called on me I will be here, I'm up for any challenge you throw at me," said Damien.

Answer 2

Unless you're an amazing writer, start with the man. People are much more interesting than places. Or rather, people are much easier to make interesting than places. You can work in details of the forest during the conversation. Be very selective about which details you put in, even if you've worked out lots of them. Too much detail can overwhelm the reader and hide what's really important.

Answer 3

I stepped into the clearing-- the moonlight illuminating the darkness. I can hear the small animals rustling about the underbrush, and in the distance I hear the hoot of an owl. Eerily quiet, i'm tense-- on edge.



In the middle of the clearing stands a man. Wearing all black, it seems as if he is a wraith, not really there. He is wearing a cap, leaving shadows on his face, giving him a dark and sinister look.





Or something like that :) hope this helps

Answer 4

In order to grip the reader, its always smart to start at the point of conflict...where the action is, or at a point when breakdowns of relationships or the passionate dealings they have with one another start. To draw the reader in, too much description can bore, though some scene setting is necessary.



To be a good writer, you should read first class literature and note how they work. I would recommend Maeve Binchy, Trollope or Anita Brookner for some startling prose. Good luck!

Answer 5

As in life, you get seconds to make

a good impression. The window to

hook the reader's attention is narrow.



So, on page one or paragraph

one, start the conflict. This is where

the main character tries to succeed,

win, reach a goal, or just feel normal.



This is how you hook the reader,

keep him/her reading until the

story's end.



==============================

Possible Scenario



Your character met someone

in the forest, and it didn't go

well.



Allow readers to see the

conversation, problem.

Answer 6

You should start by describing the whole forest--at least that's what I would do.