If you don’t know about literary magazine The First Line, it is a quarterly print publication in which all pieces start with the same opening line. They also have The Last Line in which all pieces must end with the same line. You can learn more about them here.
They have announced their line-up of first and last lines for 2023. There is no fee to submit. Fiction and nonfiction only. You are not allowed to alter the first or last lines in any way.
Summer 2023 First Line
All the lawns on Mentone Avenue are mowed on Wednesdays.
Due date: May 1, 2023
Fall 2023 First Line
As soon as Harriet entered the building, she headed to the seventh floor.
Due date: August 1, 2023
Winter 2023 First Line
It was the farthest north they had ever been.
Due date: November 1, 2023
The Last Line for 2023
Samir was never one to back down from a challenge.
Due date: October 1, 2023.