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  • Seminar
  • In-Person: Seaport
  • Adult (18+)

Before the Meet Cute: Your Romance Novel's Opening Pages

Apply for Scholarship
  • $85.00 Non-Member
  • $75.00 Member

Class Description

This seminar will offer a deep dive into the craft of romance writing, beginning with a novel's critical opening pages. We'll study the openings of a few favorite novels to understand the fundamentals of voice, conflict, and of course, chemistry. Then, we'll try our hand at drafting or revising our beginnings. Whether you've been reading and writing romance for years or you're relatively new to the genre, you'll leave class with an increased appreciation of how to make readers fall in love from page 1.

Readings may include Jasmine Guillory, Emily Henry, Casey McQuiston, and Sarah MacLean, amongst others.

Scholarships Format/Location

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.

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.


Covid-19 Update:

GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.


Space Accessibility:

Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.