OPENINGS AND ENDINGS TOOLKIT

WRITING CRAFT: FIRST PAGES THAT INVITE, LAST PAGES THAT RESONATE WITH EXAMPLES

The first sentence of a story is a handshake. The last sentence is the parting gift. Beginnings and endings form the bookends of narrative experience: one launches a journey, the other fulfills it. In fiction (and also in memoirs or personal essays), these two moments carry outsize importance. A strong opening hooks our curiosity and sets a tone or promise for what’s to come. A strong ending delivers emotional payoff and resonance, giving meaning to everything that preceded it. It’s no wonder writers agonize over first and last lines.

Album art for Ambar Free's single Cañada Blanca. Photo by Thomas Havlik

A good beginning might introduce a compelling voice or drop us into urgent conflict. A satisfying ending might call back to the beginning, reveal how a character has changed, or leave us with an image we can’t forget.

Below, I’ll go into techniques for openings and endings with real examples you can look into and a checklist you can tick off for your opening/ending.

If you’d like access to posts like this and deep dives into craft, creative techniques, and inspiration to support your writing, consider becoming a paid subscriber. You’ll unlock the full COPYWRITING CLASS, WRITING CRAFT, and CREATIVE WRITING archives.