Use these exercises to practice developing narrative hooks. I suggest trying several different approaches for each to see what works best. There is no one “right” way to start a story, so long as you snag the reader’s attention and draw them into the story by creating tension, inciting curiosity, or engaging emotions. Even if you only write in one of these categories, I recommend doing all three exercises.
Nonfiction
An article on preventing and treating rose diseases. (Black spot is a very common one, in which the leaves literally become covered with ugly black spots).
Journalism
An investigative journalism piece on alleged corruption by a local politician, John Smith, who has been accused of taking bribes. (Make up a detail or two as needed.)
Fiction
A story in which a thief is being hired to steal something.