Crafting the Killer Novel Opening
110.00
A compelling, carefully crafted beginning is absolutely critical for any successful novel. In this craft-oriented seminar/workshop, we’ll discuss the opening passages of a selection of contemporary and classic novels in order to understand what an opening can and must achieve. In the process, we’ll derive a useful taxonomy of approaches to such craft elements as character introduction, setup, voice, point of view or narrative perspective, world-building, and the initial infusions of suspense and narrative momentum. We’ll discuss the critical concepts of contract, hook, the inciting incident, the story-worthy problem, and external vs internal arcs. Then we’ll turn to participants’ own works-in-progress for an in-class writing exercise and a constructive, non-judgmental, and creatively supportive mini-workshop. Students are encouraged, but not required, to bring along the first few pages of their novel-in-progress.
Part of GrubStreet's Special Topics in the Novel, a group of classes dedicated to exploring different craft elements of novel-writing. For more class offerings,click here.
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Instructor

Previous Students Say
- "Generative"
- "Supportive Environment"
- "Inundated with Great Info"
Elements
- Generate New Work
- Craft Lessons
- In-Class Writing
- Instructor Feedback
- Workshop
- Lecture
- In-Class Reading
- Class Discussion
- Concept Development
Genre
- The Novel
Commitment Level
LowShare


