What starts at the beginning gets things moving.

Many stories (especially the visual kinds, such as movies and television) get things moving with a short vignette that sets the mood. Consider "Raiders of the Lost Ark," where Indiana Jones demonstrates his skill not only as an archaeologist but as a tomb raider. This is known as a "cold open" and serves to get the audience ready for the main story. This opening doesn't need to connect with the overall story, but provides the rules of the universe and how characters behave.


"Policeman Being Tripped" by Tom Frantzen (Brussels, Belgium)

By using this method, you can avoid delivering backstory through exposition and narration. Audiences don't tolerate loads of narration, so by using a cold open you demonstrate character qualities, motivations, and even possible backstory without interrupting the burgeoning pace of the story--the James Bond movie "Goldeneye" shows this very well. Naturally, there's plenty of room for improvisation and creativity, which makes this technique so much fun.

What I find most fun about storytelling is there's no wrong way to go about it. If your audience is following along, then how can it be a problem? Sure, there may be better ways to do it, but the essence is the story. As I've grown, I've realized this more and more. Focus on telling a good story. Let the story dictate how it's told, then adjust from there. The most enjoyable books I've read are the ones where the narrator disappears right into the background, and the story comes through naturally. Whatever method you choose, use it with gusto!

- M