How to write a compelling opening that will make publishers want to read to the end
A publisher may not judge your book by its cover, but they will certainly judge it based on your opening pages. So how exactly DO you capture their attention right from the beginning? What techniques are important to ensure that they not only keep reading but become fully engaged in your characters, story and voice?
In this fascinating FOCUS ON seminar, Pamela Freeman shares some of the methods behind the magic of creating engaging openings. You’ll explore the promise you make to your reader in those first pages and why your voice is so important in setting the tone right from the start.
“The seminar was densely packed with information and usable techniques.”
– Susan Steedman
Hundreds of students have already completed this seminar. We have received overwhelming positive feedback on the strategies shared by Pamela and the practical advice she provided. This seminar is now available for purchase. By purchasing this seminar you will also receive the handouts and have access for 12 months.
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This is an online self-paced seminar
Duration:
1.5 hours. Your 12 months’ access begins straight away
Presenter: Pamela Freeman $65 | |||||
“I'm struggling with my manuscript opening. I knew it wasn't right but needed guidance.This seminar was a straightforward look at what to do and, more importantly, what not to do with an opening, plus examples of good openings. It has given me some tools to use when I re-draft my opening.”
Venetia Vernon
Each FOCUS ON seminar explores an important aspect of the art of writing – designed to entertain, educate and inspire you to improve your craft.
Open sesame!
Drawing on her years of experience, Pamela will highlight the DOs and DON’Ts of crafting a compelling opening scene – what elements are essential and common pitfalls to avoid.
With the tips and techniques you learn in this seminar and the Q&A session that follows, you’ll not only increase your chances of a publisher investing in your characters and your story, but ultimately investing in YOU as an author.
“This seminar has made me much clearer about what to include and not to include in the opening of a story – all the factors to consider and questions to ask myself. Pamela’s advice is credible, carefully considered, and delivered with such grace and empathy to novice writers. I enjoyed her manner and knowledge. I also love that you gave good examples to illustrate everything that was said.”
Emily Purser
This seminar explores:
- Why your opening is crucial to getting published
- What publishers want in an opening
- What makes a perfect opening?
- The number one pitfall in new writers’ openings
- Cliches to avoid in your opening
- Starting your story with a scene
- What are the important aspects of scenes?
- What you should have in a strong opening scene
- Setting up story questions for your reader
- Should you have a prologue?
- Setting up your narrative voice
- The importance of point of view
- What is a narrative voice?
Meet your presenter
Pamela Freeman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 40 books and novellas, plus short stories and scripts. She writes under two names: Pamela Freeman for children’s and fantasy, and Pamela Hart for mystery novels and historical fiction.
Prolific across multiple genres, Pamela has a Doctorate in Creative Arts (Writing) and she has been the director of creative writing here at the Australian Writers' Centre for over 10 years.
“Pamela was a brilliant presenter – the information was clear, concise, consistent and delivered with authority, experience and humour.”
Deborah Vanderhoek
| Key information | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key information: | |||||
|
This is an online self-paced seminar
Duration:
1.5 hours. Your 12 months’ access begins straight away
Presenter: Pamela Freeman $65 | |||||
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