“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.
First line from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women [1868]
First lines. If you’re like me you grab a book off the library or bookstore shelf and read the first line. Does it draw you into the story. In the example of Little Women, I immediately want to know why there won’t be any presents this year, is this different from years before?
Today, consider entering The First Line literary journal, using the first line prompt given here. Write a 300-3000 word fiction piece, submission details, more information and quarterly prompts are on the website. If you’ve never read this lit journal it is a great read. It is amazing what different writers do with the same first line.Deadline is February 1. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag