Every writer aspires to write a killer opening line for their story. However, some of them try too hard to instantly capture the reader's attention, and fail hilariously. Thanks to the writer Adam Cadre, who has held the Lyttle Lytton Contest since 2001, we have a huge amount of absolutely horrendous first-liners not only to laugh at, but also learn from. Each entry is accompanied by Adam's witty commentary, that could maybe help improve your writing!
Adam was inspired to create his own contest after borrowing the idea from the annual Bulwer-Lytton contest, which also 'celebrates' the worst opening sentences of novels. As Adam explained in his website, the original contest started getting a little too "unwieldy" for his taste, so in turn, he created a contest with entries no longer than 33 words.
Read the best submissions of 2018 below, and tell us what you think in the comments.
More info: adamcadre.ac
#21
Joe just looks at me with that stupid look, covered in flowing blood, going onto his shirt like ketchup randomness, so much messier and more random than I could ever plan.
8points
#22
Our eyes are always pointing at things we are interested in approaching, or investigating, or looking at, or having.
7points
#23
I dance with English, and our tale is only just beginning.
7points
#24
Texas “Cheap Shot” Jack, the famous Newark poker player, sighed about his life. Matters of the heart—unlike the hearts he held in his hand—could not be folded so easily.
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6points
#26
Queen Aquareine had a stern look upon her beautiful face. Cap’n Bill guessed from this look that the mermaid was angry.
6points
#27
General Clap did not understand the way of the ancient warrior. However, the Shadow Wolves did.
6points
#28
The atmospheric molecules that filled the Rose Bowl were in full vibration as kickoff approached.
6points
#29
Meghan Markle could not wait to say yes to Prince Harry when he proposed during a cosy night in over a roast chicken.
5points
#30
Unhesitantly I skydove, commending my body into the lightweight but capable hands of my parachute.
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5points