starting the first sentence
Question: What should or shouldn't I start with?Answer:
Some guidelines (not rules):
1. Start with something intriguing that makes the reader want to keep reading. Ideally, this would be a combination of a unique voice and a unique situation.
2. Don't start with preamble or backstory, unless it really, really satisfies the first guideline.
3. Start with either a) the first big turning point or event, the thing that makes everything else happen, b) an event that shows who your main character is, c) an event that shows who your impact character is, or d) an event that establishes their relationship.
4. Don't get too caught up with worrying about the first guideline until you have finished a first draft. Once you have your story constructed, you will be better equipped to tweak the opening.