First Lines

The first line of a story can be very important. It usually sets the tone or introduces you into a scene. With this challenge, we have made a list of story openers for you to use and to expand upon. If you take part in this challenge, your story must be written with one of the first lines provided below in the Challenge Prompts section.

This challenge opened in .

Prompts

Choose your prompt from the collection below.

View Prompts
  • This morning marks the anniversary, the anniversary of two people...
  • Even now she could see the scar on her left hand she got on the day she finally escaped.
  • After the door shuts and the footsteps die...
  • Knowing they would be quick to jump to conclusions, she figured it would be best for him to hide under the bed.
  • Tracing the outline of her face (or his) from a photograph...
  • Collapsing under a canopy of green...
  • Never one to back down from a fight, he smacked the hand away that was extended to him and smirked.
  • Underneath the pile of clothes, dirt, and junk, there was a small, golden medallion that seemed to shine in importance.
  • The stain will not come out...
  • He kept asking me if I had forgiven her but I couldn’t even remember her face, let alone my own name.
  • Jewels aren't for giving...
  • Taking his shirt off, he looked over all his wounds, wondering if they were worth the price of getting the information.
  • Images are blurred...
  • Holding her necklace close to her chest, she finally looked up with determination and said, “No.”
  • It's not the street I usually go down. But for some reason, that day I...
  • Taking a moment to breathe, she turned around, smiled politely, but in her head she was plotting revenge.
  • "I’ve got the ingredients," he exclaimed, "now I just need the innocent human to sacrifice and I’m all set!"
  • I noticed you...
  • Only time would tell, but he was pretty sure that letting go of her was the best possible decision.

Can't find a first line that inspires you? Try these first line generators for some more inspiration: First line Generator at Writingexercises.co.uk or Story Starters at Writingfix.com. If you make use of one of these generators, mention it in the story!

Fanworks Tagged with First Lines

This is a Writing fanwork

Mountains High Above by Independence1776

Maglor, mountains, and ruling in Valinor during the First Age.

Fanwork Information and Table of Contents

This is a Writing fanwork

Mythmoot Mathoms by Dawn Felagund

I hid a prize in my Mythmoot III presentation, and these ficlets were written for those who discovered it and sent me their request.

Updated! Answered Swiftly: Fingon's prayer and the rescue of Maedhros, told from Throndor's perspective. Slightly experimental and weirdish.

Older: Love There Too: Olórin comes upon a young Finwë and Míriel at Cuivíenen.
The Mystery of the Missing Medallion: Maglor's begetting day gift for his father has gone missing. A tale involving a mad music master, missing jewelry, and a very odd hostage.

Fanwork Information and Table of Contents

This is a Writing fanwork

The Sharpest and Sweetest of Recollections by Dawn Felagund

On the night of her betrothal party to Fingolfin, Anairë summons her dearest friend Eärwen to Tirion. Overwhelmed by the sense that she is losing control over her life and her longing for the love she once shared with Eärwen, Anairë wonders if she has made the right choice. A sequel to The Sailing Forth, written for Elleth. Anairë/Eärwen, Anairë/Fingolfin

Fanwork Information and Table of Contents