Challenge: Inspirators - First Line Story Prompt

Quote by verbal
On it!

I have Ping's idea and everything!

Quote by Tams
Hello,

I have an idea for a story prompt challenge for whoever would like to enter.

So many fantastic stories start with killer first lines; Call me Ishmael...or...Mother died today, or maybe yesterday; I can't be sure.

I will throw down an opening line and then you can take the story in any direction you'd like. Not saying my opening line will be killer, but it seems like it will be fun to see where each person takes it.

Here is what I have come up with for rules:

- I will give a first-line prompt, every story must have that line as the open.
- From there you are free to take it where ever you'd like and in whatever category and length you choose.
- Please make sure to follow storiespace guidelines for acceptable content.
- Please include Inspirators as a tag. Make sure it is spelled exactly that way so when we click on the tag, it will isolate all of our stories on one page.
- This is just a challenge and all for fun, no prizes or awards will be given out.
- There is no time limit for entries.

Here is your first-line prompt...have fun with it!

"To everyone in the room, she seemed like just a normal girl wearing Vans, bluejeans, and a red hoodie."

Quote by Verity
Hello, only me. I now have my story up but unfortunately Molly changed the line from bluejeans to blue jeans. I hope it’s still okay. Regards, Verity

Quote by Ping

Quote by Verity
Hello, only me. I now have my story up but unfortunately Molly changed the line from bluejeans to blue jeans. I hope it’s still okay. Regards, Verity

Fret not. If a Mod alters something in a submission, it’s never to change the story. That’s not what they do. It’s to polish it where a wee more buffing is required. It’s usually a spelling or grammatical edit. If it is more substantial, the Mod will send you a PM asking for clarification on why you did what you did, or advise the writer what they need to amend.

Remember this: a mod is a writer’s best friend. Think of them as a second set of skilled eyes. Your very own personal editor. They want your submission to be the best it can be without altering the essence of what you’ve written and submitted. They will never change the poem or story. That’s not their role. Their role is to make you and the site, via its literary offerings, look good.

Now, if you disagree with something a Mod has suggested, ask them. Send them a PM. Easy peasy. You will ask ways get a clear and respectful response. It is possible that your intention was missed by the Mod. Let’s say, for example, bluejeans as one word had a particular meaning in your story. It had to be one word, or you were using an incorrect spelling for literary effect. Mention that in the notes to the Mod that is verifying the submission. Alternatively, you can message the Mod after the fact, explaining why you did what you did and would like the alteration reverted back to the original form. Done. The Mod will make that change because they have a better understanding of what you intended. It wasn’t just a spelling or grammatical error.

I hope my rambling explanation makes sense. Just remember that a Mod is a writer’s best friend. They’ll tell you when you have something stuck in your teeth and they’ll praise you when you’re looking good.

Keep writing, keep learning, and have fun doing both.

Quote by Verity


Keep writing, keep learning, and have fun doing both. Thank you. All sorted now. I get confused easily. I thought the opening line had to be reproduced exactly as stated. Anyway, Molly has now put it back as it was. It's just me being stupid.

Quote by Violet_the_Verbose
I both love and hate that there's no deadline. As I always say, I'll get to it... eventually.

Quote by Tams

Quote by Violet_the_Verbose
I both love and hate that there's no deadline. As I always say, I'll get to it... eventually.

You have until the end of next week! Better?

Quote by verbal


No rules! No structure! Smash the state! Free the words!

Quote by Tams

You have until the end of next week! Better?

Quote by Mendalla

Quote by Tams

You have until the end of next week! Better?

Hm. Might just take that as a challenge itself but I may be headed for my family cottage next week and have no idea of the state of the Internet up there. And mine is going to be at least flash length, maybe longer, I think. Kind of know where it is going but haven't had time to do much work yet.

Quote by Tams

Yay... I am excited to read it (when it's done, of course). Take your time. I was just teasing Violet who seems to work better when faced with a timeline. The cottage sounds like it will be fun. Was that the setting for your Lady in the Lake story? That was bone-chilling!

Quote by WriterGirl
I posted my little micro

Thanks, Tams, that was a fun challenge!

Quote by Tams

Quote by WriterGirl
I posted my little micro

Thanks, Tams, that was a fun challenge!

Thank YOU for contributing. Your story really spoke to me. A true depiction of what it means to think creatively. I kept seeing 'normal' as a disguise, a way to throw people off. Your story showed it as a coming out, a feeling of acceptance and belonging. I loved it. =d>

Quote by verbal

Quote by Tams

Quote by Violet_the_Verbose
I both love and hate that there's no deadline. As I always say, I'll get to it... eventually.

You have until the end of next week! Better?

No rules! No structure! Smash the state! Free the words!

I just submitted another story for this challenge. There was no limit. 👍

I did so to test the submission process. It was smooth but still some bugs to work out. Picture gets narrowed and text is blurry. No copyright info. Fewer editing options including a preview, edit, or save function. It’s submit only. No choice for title removed from cover picture. No notification that the submission was sent to be reviewed and verified.

I suspect this stuff will eventually be addressed. One thing at a time.

… just had to google Vans