Hopefully this will help!
When writing a short story or novel, make sure to use quotations when a character speaks. It helps the story sound more professional. For example, using this method-
Tracy: Hey! Let's go to the park!
Will definitely not catch the readers attention. This is only appropriate when planning out a play script or similar.
When I first started writing, I never put punctuation inside my characters words either. So its beneficial to add the suitable punctuation inside the quotations.
Another aspect is starting out with a key beginning. Grab the readers attention with a fish hook. Start out by using detailed descriptions, or possibly hook their attention with a witty or unexpected remark by a character. For example,
"I had the worst nightmare last evening, I saw lapis blue sky's that one could drown in. Emerald green plants that flourished with fat, juicy fruits. It was wonderful...till I awoke and entered reality then saw, that none of it was possible in my world..."