Introduction

In one of my favorite Stephen King interviews, for The Atlantic, he talks at length about the vital importance of a good opening line.

It’s a tricky thing.

“There are all sorts of theories,” he says, “it’s a tricky thing.” “But there’s one thing” he’s sure about: “An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story.

An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.

King’s discussion of opening lines is compelling.

King’s discussion of opening lines is compelling because of his dual focus as an avid reader and a prodigious writer of fiction—he doesn’t lose sight of either perspective.

King’s discussion of opening lines is compelling because of his dual focus as an avid reader and a prodigious writer of fiction—he doesn’t lose sight of either perspective.

This is excellent advice.

As you orient your reader, so you orient yourself, pointing your work in the direction it needs to go.

Now King admits that he doesn’t think much about the opening line as he writes, in a first draft, at least.

That perfectly crafted and inviting opening sentence is something that emerges in revision, which can be where the bulk of a writer’s work happens.