> the first line is frequently the only line a reader reads. Never have I done that. Most people will give it at least half a chapter. A typical reader will a

> the first line is frequently the only line a reader reads. Never have I done that. Most people will give it at least half a chapter. A typical reader will already have an idea of what they're getting themselves into - from being familiar with the author, reviews, or blurb. They're not going to put your book down just because your opening isn't something clever. You don't want readers to think about how clever you are anyways. You want them to be immersed in your story, if a story is what you're selling. The first chapter, like any other part of your story, should be interesting, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with starting it as you would chapter five.