Novel Revision Series: Killer Openings

A compelling, carefully crafted opening is absolutely critical for any successful novel. It’s what editors and agents, not to mention average readers, will use to decide whether or not to read on. In this text-oriented seminar, we’ll break down the opening of numerous great classic and contemporary and novels in order to arrive at a more precise and nuanced understanding of how openings work, what they must achieve, and various methods that may be used to “hook” readers, including a few that you may not have considered. In a series of brief writing exercises, we’ll have a chance to apply what we’ve learned to our own works in progress. Students are asked to bring in the first several pages of a novel they admire, and, optionally, the first several pages of their own novel drafts to use in revision exercises.

Also see, "Novel Revision Series: Symphonic Endings," scheduled for Friday, June 2nd, 10:30am-1:30pm.

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