For me, the opening sentence isn't the deciding factor. I read the first 250-300 words (about a half a page) before I decide. While I like strong opening sentences and even more strong first paragraphs, I expect the writer to give me the reason to read further on the first page. I want to find something that I care about and the initial orientation into the story. Voice is important, too.
In my opinion, your first sentence isn't a strong one. You give information that isn't relevant at the beginning (my half-brothers, I am in a wheelchair) and you use a cliche "jump at the chance". The expression "figuratively speaking" draws me out of the story when I'm just stepping in.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-03-30 11:41 am (UTC)In my opinion, your first sentence isn't a strong one. You give information that isn't relevant at the beginning (my half-brothers, I am in a wheelchair) and you use a cliche "jump at the chance". The expression "figuratively speaking" draws me out of the story when I'm just stepping in.
Laine