How to Begin a Story

Some thoughts on finding that first sentence

I spend too much time thinking about first sentences.

I’ve written about this before, and how the joy and tyranny of finding that opening language has been with me for most of my career. I’m not certain where it comes from, though I suspect I clung too tightly to advice I got when I was a student, or a cub reporter.

“You’ve only got one chance to hook th…