How does one even start a story?

[Ben]

I like writing long stories. Love 'em. When I was little I used to be able to just write and write and them stories would never end. Ever.
Thing is, now I'm having trouble starting the story in the first place. I get all these good ideas, write the intro, read it, rewrite it, read it, rewrite it, read it...
So, yeah. Often the first few pages don't satisfy my inner perfectionist and I end up rewriting them before I even get to the good bits.
Answer: Keep on writing until your brain leaks out your ears. But I don't wanna' fry my brain e,e
Anyone else have this issue? If so, how'd you overcome it?

[Isaac]

Starting a story aka I am going to jump off a roof before I actually write anything. Sometimes I skip the beginning and come back later. However, I always find outlines help not only for the rest of the story, but the beginning as well. I usually just jump into the action and let everything else sort itself out.

[Mindy]

I used to do that, but then I started reading "How to write a book" books and they all said the same thing...don't edit until you are finished. so now I'm actually getting somewhere with my book!!!
basically I'm just writing. I'm not even working on language, only story flow and dialogue. after I'll redo the whole thing with nice metaphors and stuff, but first I need a skeleton.
For example, I'll write: She stood there, her head bobbing like a ______,

so once you get into the flow of writing without stopping to think or edit your writing will be better and more enjoyable

[Ben]

Cheers guys. I got 1,200 words down, and I'm not judging it. Yet.

[Ben]

Another question I have:
How do you like your scene length? Long or short, detailed or to-the-point, action or with inner description?
Preferences of scene length according to scene? a.k.a a slow opening drizzled with mystery that sets up later action, or the other way round?

[Mindy]

I think a scene should be balanced, not too short, not too long , action and emotions evenly spaced

[Isaac]

It varies on the writing style. My style, for instance, is very short and to the point. Trying to add length to my scenes just makes it drag. If you're able to add length, go for it. If you like it shot, don't try to force yourself.

[Brigid ✩, No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.]

In answer to your first question - If you're really stuck with the beginning, you don't have to start at the beginning. Start at the first point that you have ideas for, and work from there. You can always go back and add more context if you really need to. Try not to get caught up in backpedaling and changing what you've already written. That's what later drafts are for. In my experience, I have almost never kept the same beginning that I started out with (for stories I've written multiple drafts of, that is). I usually find that I start too early and have too much setup in my first draft, but that's okay. Nothing is set in stone.

As for your second question - There's not really a solid answer to that. I tend to find shorter scenes more effective––as long as they're to-the-point and necessary to the story. But once again, this is something you shouldn't worry much about in your first draft. Just write whatever comes into your head. The first draft is all about getting the story out, no matter how crappy the writing is. As soon as you've done that, you can start editing your story for clarity, length, style, etc.

[Rachel]

I usually start my stories with the narrator talking directly to the reader before plunging right in, or I do a scene from the middle that I get back to later.
Sometimes I start in what I originally thought would be the middle and sort of see what happens from there.
Hope that helps!