Thread: What is the best way to start a history book about a fictional universe?

I'm working on a history book that explicitly explains the history of another book of mine. I'm having trouble starting it, however. What should I do?
This is more for me than the reader, This way I have something to refer to when I continue with the series.

Start with, "In the beginning..."

once upon a time...
Jk.
You need to read a few history books on the universe and get used to the idea before jumping into it...Good Luck.

Don't. Thats my advice for you.
If an amazing author like Tolkien couldn't make the Silmarillion enjoyable, I can guarantee you, that someone who needs help from Yahoo! Answers can't make a good one.

There's two things I do when faced with a similar problem - either stare at an empty screen and force myself to write, no matter how terrible I think that first sentence is (usually I'll get into a groove and later on in editing its obvious what the first sentence should be). Sometimes this takes a couple of tries.

Option #2: Parody. Use a writing style that imitates or makes fun of the bible, Stephen Hawkings' History of the Universe, make it sound overly important and detailed or unbelievingly simplistic, or even open it phrased as a news report on a big find. ("Theologists have recently discovered what they believe may have been God's To Do list during the creation of the universe. Although the document is still being interpreted, so far it seems to read "1: Create universe. 2: Throw together some pets. 3: Teach pets to make beer so they stop yipping at me.'"). Writing with a lighthearted tone will help you loosen up, and even if your history ends up being written more seriously it could still help get you started.