--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Once upon a time – for that is how all…" description: "\"Once upon a time – for that is how all stories should begin – there was a boy who lost his mother.\" — John Connolly" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ad/john-connolly-1479_boys_once-upon-a-time-for-that-is-how-all-sto_2103777.jpg" --- # Once upon a time – for that is how all stories should… ![“Once upon a time – for that is how all stories should begin – there was a boy who lost his mother.” quote by John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ad/john-connolly-1479_boys_once-upon-a-time-for-that-is-how-all-sto_2103777.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ad/john-connolly-1479_boys_once-upon-a-time-for-that-is-how-all-sto_2103777.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8ad/john-connolly-1479_boys_once-upon-a-time-for-that-is-how-all-sto_2103777.jpg) > “Once upon a time – for that is how all stories should begin – there was a boy who lost his mother.” [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Stories should begin with a timeless opening, introducing a child facing loss to engage readers emotionally. **In simple terms:** Begin stories with a classic opening and loss. Key Takeaway Use timeless openings to hook readers. Themes narrative structure loss emotional engagement Mood reflective creative Type literary inspirational When to use this quote - novel writing - screenwriting - teaching narrative Key Concepts storytelling character development theme introduction Questions to Reflect On - How can you freshen classic openings? - What emotions do you want to evoke? 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