Have you ever wanted to write a story, for a class or for fun, but didn’t know how to begin? We’re here to help! Anna Elliott, a writing advisor double majoring in English and History, shares some intriguing first sentences to unwritten novels, short stories, plays, and more. Enjoy!

• When Albert awoke, the regret of last night instantly slapped him across the face.
• There were eggs everywhere, most of them broken, with puddles of yolk surrounding them, but some were still whole.
• Tina looked at her sister and fought hard not to pour the bowl of chili on her head.
• Knowing he would die in a little less than three days now, Steven woke up and started his day as usual.
• There was something strange about the trees in Sumner, Mississippi.
• “Jennie, I’m gonna count to three, and if you’re not down here, there’s gonna be hell to pay.”
• Peeling the dried Elmer’s glue of his fingers after art class was James’ favorite part of kindergarten.
• Nobody knew where I hid it, and I wasn’t gonna tell either.
• Uncle Albert made it impossible not to hate Thanksgiving.
• The more I think about it, I really do think I was made to be alone.