Maybe I'll Write a Novel

Once upon a time is a beginning. It’s neutral, simply says that at a point in time this particular story began. And this story is connected to other stories, other plots and digressions. This story dances off the page pursuing its own beginning. Once you think you've found the first incident then memory kicks in and points to an earlier beginning. No, you say, that belongs to another plot. But memory says you're wrong.

Then you may be on a fence about telling the story, afraid of embellishing it, staring it down,or even acknowledging the events. 

How about embedding the tale in a fictional vehicle? 

      When did it begin and why is it important to tell?

      Ah. A conundrum.