The Art of Writing Openings
Immerse yourself in the seminar. Complete the exercises. Receive personalised guidance.
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?
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
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Here is the course structure
Step 1: Learn what makes an opening work
Watch and absorb Pamela Freeman’s insightful “Focus On” seminar as she unpacks the craft of powerful beginnings . You’ll explore what hooks a reader, why first impressions matter, and how to create momentum from the very first line.
Step 2: Put it into practice
Complete targeted writing exercises designed to help you experiment with different opening strategies. Refine your first paragraphs, test your hooks, and learn how to balance clarity, tension and curiosity without overwhelming the reader.
Step 3: Receive personalised guidance
Submit your work for thoughtful feedback from experienced publisher Bernadette Foley, who will help you identify what’s working and how to strengthen your entry point into the story.
“Pamela’s advice has made it much clearer for me about what to include and not to include in the opening of a story – all the factors to consider and questions to ask myself.“
Emily Purser
Unlock the secrets to crafting openings that grab attention and get you published
In this seminar, you’ll discover why the very first lines of your story are so crucial and exactly what publishers are looking for in an opening.
Learn what makes a perfect opening and the number one pitfall new writers often fall into – so you can avoid it. We’ll also cover common clichés to steer clear of, helping you create openings that feel fresh and compelling.
Understand the key elements that make scenes engaging, and learn what a strong opening scene should include to immediately draw readers in. You’ll also explore how to set up story questions that keep readers turning the pages.
Wondering whether to include a prologue? We’ll guide you through when it works – and when it doesn’t. Plus, discover how to establish your narrative voice, the importance of point of view, and what makes a voice truly memorable. By the end of this seminar, you’ll have the tools to create openings that captivate, intrigue, and stay with your readers long after the first page.
What You’ll Receive:
- Access to Pamela Freeman’s insightful Focus On seminar
- Handouts and slides that accompany the seminar
- Three exercises to practise the skills outlined in the seminar
- Feedback on the exercise of your choice from experienced publisher Bernadette Foley
“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
Meet your presenters
Pamela Freeman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 50 books and novellas, plus short stories and scripts. She writes under three names: Pamela Freeman for children’s and fantasy, Pamela Hart for mystery novels and historical fiction, and Elizabeth Leydin for stories set in the Regency.
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.
Bernadette Foley is one of the most connected people in the publishing industry, working as an editor and publisher for over 30 years. She was publisher of fiction and non-fiction for international publishing house Hachette Australia for 10 years, working with such authors as Di Morrissey, William McInnes, Gabrielle Lord, Graeme Blundell, Kate Ceberano, Bronwyn Parry, Lian Hearn, Pamela Freeman, Troy Cassar-Daley and many more. In 2015, Bernadette received the George Robertson Award for Service to the Australian Publishing Industry.
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Duration 1
This is an online course
Date: Monday 16 November 2026 Start any time during the week
Duration:
1 week Allow 2-3 hours during the week
Feedback:
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