Authors and Their Books: Which Opening is Better?

[Bryan]

Hey everyone. I just finished the first draft of my new novel! I'm going to begin the rigorous task of rewrites tomorrow, and have been contemplating a change in the opening chapter. What I'd like to know from everyone here is which opening line do you like better?

1) "Too small to be considered a city, too large to be considered a hamlet, the land of Heather was somewhere between a town and a village."

2) "Zoe met Kayla by accident on the bridge overlooking Lovers Pond."

Any suggestions or critiques will be helpful and greatly appreciated.

[Anne]

Me too, #1.

[Marc]

#2. Start with action, always.

[[deleted user]]

I think I like #2 better. Gives suggestion of what is to come.

[Kaye]

"Zoe met Kayla by accident on the bridge overlooking Lovers Pond."

Eliminate "by accident" as it is a cliche and you're telling us. Show us how after this opening.
"Zoe ran over Kayla on the Lovers Pond bridge."
You get the drift......... kaye

[Helena]

Definitely prefer #2 -- including "by accident" as otherwise it suggests a tryst. An accidental meeting on the Lovers Pond bridge is instantly more intriguing. #1 doesn't interest me at all. I wouldn't continue reading, so you see, you can't please us all!

[Jane]

I like #2. Gives a little hint of what may coming.

[Bryan]

Thank you everyone for your picks and suggestions. Looks as if the majority prefers #2, which is good, since that one is the one I was leaning toward as well.

I appreciate your help.