Every story starts somewhere. A first line can be quiet or loud, funny or aching, ordinary or completely unexpected — but it opens a door that only you can open. That's what First Lines is about. Over three days, we'll each write the opening line of a story. One prompt per day. One submission per day. No pressure, no judgment — just you, your words, and a community cheering you on. This challenge is for every writer at every level. If you wrote your first sentence yesterday or your thousandth today, you belong here. The only thing that matters is showing up. Come write with us. --- DAY 1 — THE DOOR Write the opening line of a story that begins with someone — or something — on the other side of a door. Any genre. Any tone. Any door you can imagine. Submissions close: August 17, 2026 at 11:59pm PT DAY 2 — THE LAST TIME Write the opening line of a story that begins with a last time: the last time someone went somewhere, said something, or did something they didn't know would be the last. Any genre. Any tone. Let the moment carry whatever weight feels right. Submissions close: August 18, 2026 at 11:59pm PT DAY 3 — FOUND Write the opening line of a story that begins with something being found — an object, a person, a memory, a place, or anything else a character discovers. Any genre. Any tone. What gets found is entirely up to you. Submissions close: August 19, 2026 at 11:59pm PT --- HOW TO SUBMIT Each day of the challenge has its own submission form, posted right below the day's prompt. Submit once per day, using the form for that day only. Each day's form closes at its deadline — once it closes, that day's window is done. If you're not sure which time zone you're in, aim to submit a little early. YOUR ENTRY POINTS COME BACK Entering this challenge uses points from your account — but if you complete all three days, every point you spent to enter is refunded to you. WHAT IT MEANS TO COMPLETE THIS CHALLENGE A Challenge Completer is anyone who submits all three days. There's no judging, no ranking, and no bar to clear except showing up all three days. Every single person who completes all three submissions is recognised as a Challenge Completer. CHALLENGE COMPLETERS SPOTLIGHT When First Lines closes, every writer who submitted all three days gets their moment. The Completer Spotlight will be posted right here on this page once the challenge ends — within 24 hours of the challenge closing, we'll also share it on our Facebook page so the wider community can cheer you on.