October – Opening Line Challenge

October 4, 2026

Scriptwriters Network

40th Anniversary Celebration

12 Months • 12 Ways We Give Back

As Scriptwriters Network celebrates 40 years of supporting writers, we’re giving back to the creative community with monthly opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen your craft.

Each month throughout 2026 highlights a different aspect of storytelling while encouraging writers to build skills they can apply to every screenplay, television script, or story they create.

Everyone is welcome to participate.

October 40th Anniversary Giveaway

Opening Line Challenge

One Line. Make Us Read On.

Every great story has to begin somewhere.

Sometimes, one line is all it takes to make a reader want to know what happens next.

As part of our 40th Anniversary – 12 Months • 12 Ways We Give Back initiative, this month’s challenge invites writers to create an original opening line that immediately captures attention and makes the reader want to continue.

Your challenge is simple:

Write one opening line. Make us want to read the next one.

The Challenge

Participants are invited to write one original opening line for a story or screenplay.

Your opening line may introduce:

A compelling character
A surprising situation
A mystery
A conflict
A dramatic moment
A funny or unexpected moment
A question
A strong point of view
A world the reader wants to explore
Any other creative approach you choose

The goal is to create an opening that immediately gives the reader a reason to continue.

One line. One opportunity to make us read on.

The Prompt

There is no required prompt for this month’s challenge.

Writers are encouraged to create an original opening line based on their own idea, story, screenplay, or creative concept.

Focus Areas

Writers are encouraged to concentrate on:

Strong hooks
Originality and creativity
Character
Conflict
Curiosity
Voice
Tone
Effective word choice

With only one line available, every word should serve a purpose.

What Makes a Strong Opening Line?

Successful entries often:

Create immediate curiosity
Introduce a compelling situation
Establish a distinctive voice
Raise a question in the reader’s mind
Suggest conflict or stakes
Create an emotional reaction
Make the reader want to know what happens next

Remember…

You don’t have to tell the whole story in one line.

You simply have to make us want to read the next one.

Optional Creative Approaches

Writers looking for an additional creative challenge may choose one of the following approaches:

The Mystery
- Introduce something that makes the reader immediately want answers.
The Character
- Open with a line that makes the reader curious about a memorable character.
The Conflict
- Begin at the moment something goes wrong.
The Surprise
- Start with something unexpected.
The Voice
- Use a distinctive voice that makes the reader want to hear more.
The Question
- Open with a question that creates immediate curiosity.

These approaches are optional and intended to inspire creativity. Writers may choose any style that best fits their opening line.

Who Can Participate

This challenge is open to all writers, regardless of experience.

Whether you’re writing your first story or have been writing for decades, the Opening Line Challenge is an opportunity to practice one of the most important skills in storytelling:

Getting the reader to turn the page.

How to Enter

Please submit your entry via email to:

info@scriptwritersnetwork.org

Subject Line:

October Opening Line Challenge Submission

Please include:

Your full name
Title of your story or screenplay
Your opening line pasted directly into the body of your email

Attachments will not be reviewed.

Submission Guidelines:

Up to three (3) submissions per participant
One opening line per submission
Original work only
Any genre or style
Please proofread your submission for spelling and grammar before sending

Entry Deadline

All submissions must be received between:

October 1 – October 31, 2026

Prizes

Winners will receive:

🎁 One-Year Scriptwriters Network Membership

🎁 One-Hour Script Consultation with SWN President Melessa Y. Sargent

🎁 Featured Writer Spotlight in the Scriptwriters Network Newsletter

Only the winning entry will be considered for publication or featured in Scriptwriters Network promotional materials.

*In addition to the Grand Prize winner, selected Honorable Mentions may be featured on Scriptwriters Network social media and in the SWN newsletter.

Why This Matters

The opening of a story carries enormous responsibility.

A strong opening can establish voice, introduce character, create conflict, raise questions, and immediately pull a reader into the story.

One line can be enough to make us want more.

Winner(s) & Featured Spotlight

Submissions will be reviewed after the close of the challenge.

The winner will be contacted and announced during the first week of November 2026.

Celebrating 40 Years of Writers Supporting Writers

Throughout 2026, Scriptwriters Network continues celebrating its 40th Anniversary with monthly challenges, educational opportunities, giveaways, and special events designed to support writers at every stage of their creative journey.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate four decades of storytelling, mentorship, and community.

Invite another writer to participate and celebrate 40 years of Scriptwriters Network together.