When your writing lends itself to a narrative

Today's look at "starting strong" is from a New York Times story that covers a venerable bookstore re-opening, with a clear connection to "Hamilton" the musical. You can read the entire piece here.

But here is the lead:

A sculptural representation of a bookworm — 140 feet of scripts and songbooks, twisted along a steel skeleton — corkscrews across the Drama Book Shop in Manhattan. It starts with ancient Greek texts and, 2,400 volumes later, spills into a pile that includes “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.”

This 3,500-pound tribute to theatrical history is the centerpiece of the century-old bookstore’s new location, opening Thursday on West 39th Street.

This is a descriptive lead in journalistic writing terms, creating a clear setting before readers even get to the "news" -- a timely angle, a connection with prominent people, some odd details that make this store standout. 

Beginning with a descriptive paragraph or two is great when readers need context and when the writer predicts most readers will not be rushing by the piece (great for a Sunday read, for instance).

A descriptive lead or introduction "feels" natural, doesn't it? Think of the standard structure for a children's story: "Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom/galaxy/country, lived a princess/poor boy/orphan..."

The setting is quickly established and the main character introduced. The conflict will be arriving soon and the bulk of the tale is how our protagonist overcomes the conflict and lives happily ever after.

There is a reason everyone recognizes this rhetorical strategy: it works and readers are comfortable with it. 

Copy the basic strategy and then insert your own details, whatever your narrative may be.