Generate lede and nut graf options
AI creates 5 strong opening paragraphs (lede + nut graf) for your story.
Generate lede and nut graf options
River's Lede and Nut Graf Generator creates 5 different opening options for your story. You provide the topic and key details, and the AI writes 5 complete lede-plus-nut-graf combinations using different approaches (hard news, feature, question, scene-setting, surprising fact). Whether you're writing breaking news, features, or enterprise stories, you get multiple strong openings to choose from and test.
Unlike single-approach generators, we create variety showing different ways to open the same story. The AI understands opening conventions (hard news ledes prioritize who-what-when-where, feature ledes use scene or anecdote, nut grafs explain significance), writes in journalistic style with active voice, and creates hooks that pull readers in. You get options representing different editorial choices, helping you select or combine approaches for your strongest opening.
This tool is perfect for all journalists struggling with openings, reporters testing different angles, editors coaching writers on ledes, and journalism students learning opening techniques. If you stare at blank screens trying to start stories, or if you want to explore multiple approaches quickly, this tool helps. Use it when you know your story but need the perfect opening to hook readers.
What Makes Story Openings Work
Story openings succeed when they accomplish two things simultaneously: hook readers and establish what the story is about. Effective openings create immediate interest (through conflict, surprise, relevance, or human connection) while giving readers enough context to understand why they should keep reading. Weak openings bury the news, use generic language, or fail to establish stakes. Strong openings make readers think (I need to know more about this) within two paragraphs. The lede hooks attention. The nut graf delivers context and significance.
Different story types need different opening approaches. Hard news ledes prioritize the most newsworthy element (who did what, when, with what impact). Feature ledes use scenes, anecdotes, or surprising details to create curiosity before revealing the broader story. Question ledes work when the question itself is compelling. Statistical ledes work when numbers surprise or clarify. The nut graf always follows shortly after, answering (what is this story really about and why should I care?). Together, lede and nut graf form a promise to readers about what they'll get.
To improve your openings, write multiple versions before choosing. Test different approaches (start with result vs start with person vs start with scene). Read your opening aloud. Does it flow? Does it grab attention? Get to the point quickly (readers decide whether to continue within seconds). Avoid throat-clearing (In recent years, Many people wonder). Start with something specific and interesting. Cut anything that doesn't hook or inform. The opening is your chance to earn the reader's time. Make it count.
What You Get
5 complete opening options (lede + nut graf for each)
Different approaches: hard news, feature, question, scene, statistic
Varied angles on the same story
Professional journalistic style throughout
Ready-to-use openings you can adapt or combine
How It Works
- 1Enter story detailsProvide topic and key information about your story
- 2AI generates 5 openingsOur AI creates 5 different lede-and-nut-graf combinations in 1 to 2 minutes
- 3Review all optionsRead through all 5 approaches
- 4Choose or combinePick your favorite or combine elements from multiple versions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which opening should I use?
Choose based on your story type, publication style, and what feels strongest. Hard news stories often need direct ledes. Features benefit from scene-setting. When unsure, pick the opening that best captures what makes your story newsworthy or interesting. You can also combine elements from different versions. Test by reading aloud or showing colleagues.
Can I modify these or should I use exactly as written?
Modify freely. These are starting points showing different approaches. Adjust wording, add specific details, change emphasis. The goal is helping you start, not providing final copy. Use the structure and approach you like, then make it perfect for your story with your reporting details.
What if none of the 5 options feel right?
They show you what's not working, which is valuable. If all feel off, your story angle might need rethinking. Sometimes the wrong openings help clarify what the right approach should be. You can also run the generator again with different emphasis in your input. Vary your story description to get different angles.
Are these suitable for breaking news or just features?
The tool generates appropriate openings for whatever story type you describe. Breaking news input produces breaking news ledes. Feature input produces feature openings. The variety includes hard news and softer approaches. Choose what fits your story and deadline. Breaking news typically needs direct hard news ledes.
Can editors use this to show reporters better approaches?
Yes. When coaching writers on ledes, generate multiple options to show alternative approaches. Discuss why one works better than another for this particular story. It's a teaching tool showing that every story has multiple valid openings with different strengths. Helps reporters develop judgment about which approach serves their story best.
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