The First Line Journal
1 November 2024
The purpose of The First Line is to jump start the imagination and to help writers break through the block that is the blank page. Each issue contains short stories that stem from a common first line; it also provides a forum for discussing favorite first lines in literature. The First Line is an exercise in creativity for writers and a chance for readers to see how many different directions we can take when we start from the same place.
The first line for the upcoming issue is: The parking lot was empty.
Categories:
- Fiction: The story should be between 300 and 5 000 words. This is more like a guideline and not a hard-and-fast rule; going over or under the word count won’t get your story tossed from the slush pile. They are open to all genres.
- Poetry: There is no restrictions on form or line count, but all poems must begin with the first line provided. The line cannot be altered in any way.
- Non-Fiction: 500 to 800 word critical essays about your favorite first line from a literary work.
Remember, all stories must start with the appropriate first line, and you cannot change it in any way unless otherwise indicated. Writers should include a two- to three-sentence biography of themselves that can be use in the journal should your story, poem, or essay be accepted.
They do not accept previously published stories, even if they have been repurposed for this first lines competition. They also do not accept simultaneous submissions.
There is no submission fee and stories won’t be ranked in order of importance. However, entrants will receive payment for their stories on publication:
- $25 to $50 for fiction
- $10 for poetry
- $25 for nonfiction
The First Line Journal prefers entrants to send their submissions via email in MS Word or Word Perfect format as an attachment to submission@thefirstline.com
Submission Deadline: 1 November 2024