In one of my favorite Stephen King interviews, for The Atlantic, he talks at length about the vital importance of a good opening line. There are all sorts of theories, he says, its a tricky thing. But theres one thing hes sure about: An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this. Kings discussion of opening lines is compelling because of his dual focus as an avid reader and a prodigious writer of fiction—he doesnt lose sight of either perspective:Weve talked so much about the reader, but you cant forget that the opening line is important to the writer, too. To the person whos actually boots-on-the-ground. Because its not just the readers way in, its the writers way in also, and youve got to find a doorway that fits us both.http://www.openculture.com/2014/03/stephen-kings-top-20-rules-for-writers.html
