Bad Writing Competition

While we always strive to write the best first line, this competition challenges you to write the most atrocious opening sentence to the worst novel ever written! An opener that's so bad it's borderline brilliant! 

There will be a prize for the worst opening line as well as prizes for the two most dishonourable runners-up! 

Here are a few examples to get you started:

"It was a dark and stormy night, except it wasn't night and it wasn't stormy, but it was, in a way, dark." 

“The sun rose like a soggy pancake, casting a syrupy gloom over the already tasteless morning.”

“The cow attacked me as though I was wearing a leather jacket and it wanted revenge”.

Rules

• The competition is open to students who live or attend school in Buckinghamshire.

• All entries should be submitted on the official entry form.

• The work should be original.

• Your opening sentence should be a maximum of 25 words or less.

• The closing date for entries is February 15th 2026

• The winners will be announced at the BBA awards ceremony on 11th March 2026.

• By entering you agree to your work being published on the BBA website and in Bookcast.