An interesting article on “The 10 Worst Story Openings”, (http://lauralee1.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/10-ways-not-to-open-story.html). While I agree with some of the points made in this piece, getting hung up on how one should (or should not) begin a story can lead to a loss of spontaneity, with the writer worrying about the perfect (if such a thing exists) beginning rather than simply writing the best story they are capable of. Again what one reader perceives as being clichéd may well be regarded by others as constituting a great opening paragraph.
Kevin
K Morris - Poet 
i agree with your comments Kevin, best to take advice then mould it to go with your own writers voice.
Thanks for your comment. Yes writing (and appreciation of what is written) is an intensely personal thing. One man’s meat is, as someone wise once said, another man’s poison. Kevin
I agree with you, Kevin, but–
Nothing wrong with stepping back to see if there is room for improvement. 🙂 Just saying.
Thanks for your comment Tess. I agree absolutely, there is nothing wrong with stepping back to see if there is room for improvement. Good writers are often their own most severe critics. What I disagree with is the drawing up of “dos and donts” lists as they can have the effect of stifling creativity and good writers are, by there very nature creative. Ultimately I am suspicious of the idea that writing can be taught. I believe most writers learn through trial and error as to what works and not by reading books (or lists) on how to become a good writer. Kevin