More links that you'll find useful

Rules for writing fiction

Authors telling you their rules for writing fiction. 

Part I
Part II

Seven things that will doom your novel. 

There are seven things you shouldn't do to your novel and that includes quitting, so here are ways to avoid them.

What is the difference between the prologue, introduction, and the first chapter? 

A writer that has the answers to your question about beginnings. 

Mistakes that you can make on the first page. 

There are about thirteen mistakes that you can make on the first page alone so read the link so you can avoid them.