FAMOUS FIRST OR LAST LINES

Each story you read differs in many ways from the next, yet they all have something in common – a beginning and an ending. Beginnings invite you to enter; they entice you to explore other worlds. Endings guide you to a conclusion; they leave you with greater understanding and appreciation.

The very first – or last – sentence in a story is often the most important one. It can make all the difference to a reader’s enjoyment and an author’s purpose.

For our September 25th Anniversary Challenge, we asked writers to choose one sentence from a list of ten and use it as the first or last sentence in their story. The list consisted of:

The journal was never meant to be read by anyone else.

The door creaked open on rust-covered hinges.

The candle flickered and went out.

Sometimes promises can’t be kept.

What more could he ask for?

A bottle fell through the grate, landing in the message basket at the sentry’s station.

She hadn’t meant to scare the child.

There’s a first time for everything.

The day would end far differently than it began.

The meager slant of sunlight brought tears to his eyes.

Several of our wonderful fanfic writers took on this challenge and soared with it! As always, we offer them – and everyone who visits CABB and enjoys the Challenges and other features – our sincere gratitude and appreciation. This is a labor of love and it’s for all of us.

Now, please steal a few minutes from your days or nights to enjoy our latest collection of amazing stories. If you’d like, please leave comments for the writers. Your words really do make a difference!

THE SUBMISSIONS

The Sun, the Moon, and the Truth by Linda S Barth

Implications by Paula

The Quandary by JoAnn Baca

An Infinite Expectation of the Dawn by Carole W

Navigating the Impasse by Peg Ray

The Candle Flickers by JoAnn Baca

Together by Paula

The Promise of Sunlight by Linda S Barth

A Hideaway To Escape To by PearlAnn SnowStar

Times of Trouble by JoAnn Baca