We are all familar with the old adage that states "You only get one chance to make a good first impression". In many ways, we accept this as truth. It is the reason we agonize over creating the perfect resume and cover letter, or take considerable time and care in preparing for an interview or first date.

I believe the concept holds true for storytelling as well. Let's look at an example. This line comes from fanfiction, and I have suppressed the author's name and title of the work.

"It was an ordinary day and people were acting as they usually do."

As a reader, what is your first reaction to that line? For me, it makes me wonder why the story is being told if everything is the same as always. Where is the fun in that? It makes me question whether or not reading the story is worth the time, and I can't help but wonder if the rest of the tale will be as yawn-worthy as the first sentence indicates it will be.

Let us contrast that first line with the first sentence of A. Lee Martinez's novel Gil's All Fright Diner (a book definitely worth reading).

In the middle of nowhere, along a quiet stretch of road, the diner dreamt of the hungry dead.

What is the difference between the two? The first quote tells us a story; the second quote shows us the action.

A good first line plunges the reader into the middle of the action. It enthralls the reader's imagination and drives them to continue reading because they want to see what happens next. The best first sentences are ones that hint at the excitement and adventure to come. In a sense, designing a good first sentence is much like crafting a good pickup line - you want something that intrigues someone enough that he or she decides to stick around awhile. And if you are really lucky, he or she might even take you home.

What are some good and bad first lines you have encountered in your reading journeys (published work or fanfiction)? What pickup lines have you written and how could they be improved?