Think of the soft awakening of dawn, light gradually painting the landscape. That's a fade-in. In writing, we can achieve this effect by starting with subtle details, fragmented thoughts, or a muffled sound. Slowly, we build upon these elements, adding layers of information and sensory details until the scene is fully realized.

A skilled writer uses fade-ins to subtly introduce characters, settings, and themes. Instead of a jarring introduction, the reader is gently drawn into the narrative, fostering a sense of immersion and anticipation. This technique invites the reader to actively participate in the unfolding story, piecing together the puzzle as the scene gradually comes into focus.