First Page Intensive (2-Part)

The opening paragraphs of your manuscript can make or break your connection with a reader. When the reader is an agent/editor or admissions committee member, the stakes of immediately gripping their attention increase substantially. This workshop, broken up into two sessions, takes an in-depth look at what makes an absorbing first page and how writers can effectively establish their voice. The initial session will involve a craft lecture followed by a class discussion in which we read and analyze various opening pages from novels and short stories. From this discussion, we will establish a collective understanding of what we want our first pages to accomplish. Students will then write their own “first page” (300-500 words of a potential story or longer project) to share during the second session in which we will read, discuss, and offer feedback on each other’s work.

This course caters to and welcomes fiction writers of any level, and will be particularly helpful to those wanting to jumpstart a revision or embark on an entirely new project.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.