This document provides examples of different types of attention getters that can be used for narrative writing, including setting the scene, asking a reflective question, including action, using onomatopoeia, including dialogue, using fragments, employing alliteration, using a metaphor, and providing a definition. The examples demonstrate different techniques for engaging the reader at the beginning of a story.

1. ATTENTION GETTERS
For Narrative Writing

2. Set the Scene
A gentle breeze blew as the children
gazed upon the sparkling water. The sunlight
warmed them. It was one of those
bright, warm days that kids dream of all
winter long.

3. Reflective Question
How much do we really know about our
neighbors? Just because someone looks
normal, should we assume everything’s okay?

4. Action
A mob of screaming, panicked people
poured out of the narrow walkways that ran
alongside the canals. I saw a woman carrying
a bleeding child who had nearly been buried
by the crumbling brick buildings. Soon the
reason for all the chaos came into sight—a
large ship was trying to squeeze into the
narrow canals of Venice!

5. Onomatopoeia
THUMP! CRASH! BANG! It sounded like
the entire house was crashing down. It was
two weeks later, and once again Harold found
himself chasing the annoying lump under the
rug. This time, he used a dining room chair as
a weapon.

6. Dialogue
“How much longer?” whined 7-year-old Billy.
“About an hour,” answered Billy’s older
brother, Jim. “Go back to sleep. I’ll wake you
before we get there.”
“Promise?”
“Have I ever let you down before?” Jim asked.
Billy trustingly closed his eyes and rested his
head on his big brother’s shoulder.

7. Fragments
Dim lamplight. A ticking clock.
Slow, steady breathing. Strange greenery
sprouting from a book.

8. Alliteration
As the river wound through the woods,
a wondrous view was revealed.

9. Metaphor
The Smith’s basement was a playground
for unnatural creatures.

10. Definition
Magic: an extraordinary power
seemingly from a supernatural force. Tabitha
never dreamed she would end up possessing
such power.

11. Now it is YOUR turn to create
an Attention Getter that fits the
theme and the tone (mood) of
your story.
You may use one of the
techniques demonstrated
here, or another technique that
draws the reader in and gets
him/her interested in reading
your story.