Crafting the Perfect Opening Scene to Hook Readers

Do you enjoy watching TV shows or movies? How often have you found yourself starting something only to switch to a different program after the first ten minutes because the opening scene failed to capture your interest? For me, it’s an all-too-common experience!

As I crafted Treasure Island Triangle, which I envision to be a streaming service series, I realized that my initial portrayal—a mundane, "day in the life of these characters"—just wouldn’t cut it.  I’ve always been inspired by the words of Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, who said, "Begin with the end in mind."

In my reimagined opening scene, we meet Dex Mark, one of my main characters, who finds himself behind the wheel of his sunshine yellow Ford Mustang, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he accelerates toward the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida. The air is thick with anticipation, the metallic roar of the engine harmonizing with the crash of waves beneath, as twilight casts a vivid palette of oranges and purples across the sky. This scene is not just dynamic; it’s a pulse-quickening mix of exhilaration and impending tragedy—precisely what I envisioned for an unforgettable opening.

Have you had a chance to read this opening scene? I’ve already received intriguing comments like, "I need to know why he would drive off the bridge!" or "What made him think he could go so fast on this type of bridge?" That’s exactly the kind of reaction I hoped to evoke.

In this gripping introduction, we see that Dex is clearly troubled and intoxicated, merging danger with recklessness. But as the narrative unfolds into the first chapter, he is revealed to be a fun-loving and gentle soul. This stark juxtaposition is both intentional and essential; I hope it will intrigue readers enough to want to delve deeper into understanding his turmoil. I would love for you to check out the opening scene and share your thoughts on whether I succeeded in drawing you in as a reader.