2015 Willamette Writers Conference

In this class, we’d examine openings in successful contemporary novels, both literary and commercial, paying special attention to the lure, the hook, characterization, and implication. In doing so, we’ll drawing upon teachings on this subject from various well-known authors as well as from the emerging body of neuroscience as it applies to fiction. Participants will leave with a stronger sense of how to create an opening that will suck readers in, whether they’re just starting off with a new project or preparing to send out a manuscript in the hopes of securing an agent or publisher.