If you're like most of us who shop for books, the first thing you do is open the book to the first chapter and read the first sentence. More often than not the first few sentences or paragraphs will serve to aid your decision to buy the book or not. That means your opening sentence is probably the most important one in your book. It has to "hook" the reader, drawing him in with excitement, or perhaps shock, wanting the reader to know more about the story.
As an example, I offer the first paragraph of my second novel, Gripped By Fear:
It was done. He stood and fastened his pants, then became one with the darkness as he slipped out the door and into the alley. This time of night welcomed only demons and devils. It was good, but not nearly enough. He would need more . . . soon.
For more on the importance of your first sentence, read this post: On Writing: A Tate Publishing Blog.
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