How to start it all?

It doesn't need to be *dramatic* so long as it grabs the reader's attention..... which can look like a lot of different things. There's an excellent thread I happened upon recently with a list of different types of first lines you can use to hook your readers in (including examples). I thought it was in the "Writing 101" subforum, but I'm not positive on that... I'll have to look it up again.

If you really do go for a dramatic opening, just make sure you don't lapse into describing the character's backstory after a few paragraphs -- lots of writers do it, but it's a big no-no. Just keep the action going.

It depends upon genre. If it's non-fiction, you can choose the most interesting anecdote. If it's fiction, pare it down to one opening sentence that would grab your attention if you were the reader. The manuscript I'm working on is nearly finished. I began the Prologue with the end scene in the main character's life....his death.

My first sentence makes it clear who the main character in the book is and why she is. In six very descriptive words, it sets the tone for the rest of the book.

If there's one thing I've learned over these past ten years, it's that you write as if you are the reader. That way, you force yourself to be acutely aware of what you'd like to read in your own work.

I agree with what everyone has said so far =] You need a good first line that will get people hooked.

Here's the thread deserata mentioned: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/1008498 It's really helpful =]

Like I said to you the other day, it depends where you want to start it! In the town or in the city?