Reading your list is making me think about the very first words of stories. I'm being to wonder if the first word needs to be something... well solid or moving. Names, actions, that sort of thing.

Like jongibbs, I was most taken with the Vicesteed start, followed by "And the Dog Died". Then I noticed the grammar involved.

So, I'm now working through my starts. I'm making sure I start with names or action words. Something solid or moving.

(Is this what happens when a former English prof turns her hand at writing? Grammar of successful opening lines? EEEiiiieee!) ;-)