And here we go again....

It's that time of year again. Alison Tyler's Smut Marathon, the 2014 edition. As Alison herself describes it "For those just joining in, "The Smut Marathon" is a contest I invented about five years ago. A group of writers all (amazingly) agree to fulfill one (bizarre) challenge (I come up with) every month. I post their work here and readers vote for the favorites. There are winners for each round and one writer (or several writers, depending on ties) leaves after each voting period ends."

I must be a sucker for punishment to keep participating. The competition gets more and more intense as the Marathon gets older and writers get wise to how much fun it is to take part.

So - sigh - here I am again for another round of getting my arse kicked. Come on over and meet this years line up. Some familiar faces, some new to the game.

But all immensely talented.

You'll see what I mean when you stop by Alison's for Round One. Every great book I've ever read has started with an incredible first line. There are fifteen (yes, you read that right fifteen) amazing ones to choose from.

But be careful! You can only vote for one. Heartbreaking I know, but it's the way it goes.

But share and compare with your friends. Do it in pairs, hell, do it in groups. Just vote and show these writers that you appreciate the fine art of the first line.

Poll closes Thursday so be sure to visit on Friday to see if your fave made the cut.