Our Mission
The purpose of The First Line is to jump start the imagination--to help writers break through the block that is the blank page. Each issue contains short stories that stem from a common first line; it also provides a forum for discussing favorite first lines in literature. The First Line is an exercise in creativity for writers and a chance for readers to see how many different directions we can take when we start from the same place.

TFL Specs

  • Published: Four times a year, starting in 2002 (From 1999 through 2001 we published six times a year.)
  • Our First Issue: May/June 1999
  • Our Fiftieth Issue: 12.2 - Summer 2010
  • Cost: $4.00/issue and $15.00 a year. Here's our subscription information.
Copyright 2012 Blue Cubicle Press, LLC