This month, we’ve got a big butt, burning leather, and much more. To submit the first line from your book, email booklifeeditor@booklife.com.

The Birth of Agent Big Butt: Butt of Steel, Heart of Gold

Amy Winfield

“I was wondering when you were going to pick up this book.”


Find Them

Julia Ash

“The train whistle was a false promise, teasing me that the impending disaster might be adverted.”


A Foreboding Future: Kopp Chronicles

Gregory Kopp

“The acrid smell of burning leather and old parchment paper permeated the air.”


The Map Colorist

Rebecca D’Harlingue

“If he had known how it would end, my father would have struck the paintbrush from my young hand.”


Ninety-Nine Fire Hoops

Allison Hong Merrill

“I discovered that I became a starter wife from a light switch.”


Sacrifices for Kingdoms

Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin

“The hotel’s luxury penthouse suite was bustling with adrenalized activity.”


What They Didn’t Burn

Mel Laytner

“The only time I heard anyone call my father a bastard was about a month after he died.”


Wild Hare

Laura Koerber

“The world is coming to an end, but my personal life is okay, I guess.”