This month brings people who ruin everything and the perils of dating ex-wives. To submit a first line, email booklifeeditor@booklife.com.

Sustaining Ecstasy by Dian Parker

“The silence is a strong drink and I am drunk with the night.”

Matter of Discretion by Donna Lee Davis

“He had always loved the sea.”

Angel City Singles by Ralph Cissne

“David Bishop discovered it was unwise to date the ex-wife.”

All the Ways You Can Face the Sky by Farlo Ben Truman

“People ruin everything....”

The Pas de Deux by Erin Bomboy

“It felt as if the world was consuming itself.”

Dragon’s Awakening by Sean Fletcher

“The last thing Kaylee Richards wanted to do on her final day of summer vacation was be charged with attempted manslaughter.”