Foreward should mysterious and interesting even if it's not a mystery story. It shouldn't throw a whole plot at the readers.

It should give the reader enough incentive to go on. Oftentimes, the reader asks herself “What is in it for me?”

It is your job, as the writer, to answer that question. Whether or not she will proceed with reading your story depends on how well you answer that question.

The awful truth is that no matter how fabulous your story is, if your introduction is lame, your readers won’t go further than the first few paragraphs. So it is definitely something you should not overlook.

A juicy short story introduction is one that…

Use the color to grip readers's attention.  Artists and interior designers have long understood how color can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions. It is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and cause physiological reactions.

[Summary of Numbers by Rachel Ward]

Ever since she was child, Jem has kept a secret: Whenever she meets someone new, no matter who, as soon as she looks into their eyes, a number pops into her head. That number is a date: the date they will die. Burdened with such awful awareness, Jem avoids relationships. Until she meets Spider, another outsider, and takes a chance. The two plan a trip