Writing A Fantastic First Chapter
What to Include in Your First Chapter to Hook Readers
Writing a novel can be exhilarating. There's no feeling quite like seeing a book you've written for sale on Amazon. It gives you all the tingles and feels, but writing a book can also be daunting. And overwhelming.
You don’t want to spend months, or even years, working on your novel only to have it rejected by an editor or by readers because your first chapter didn’t showcase your talent. You want your first chapter to shine!
Taking the extra time to include all the necessary elements may make the difference between an editor, agent, or reader devouring your manuscript or tossing it into the trash (figuratively or literally).
You want a first chapter that grabs the reader from the very first sentence.
In this course, Writing a Fantastic First Chapter, you will learn what components you need to include in your first chapter to hook readers. With examples and assignments, you will put into practice what you learn and you can ask questions all along the way. A first chapter checklist, a character sheet, and a character interview are all included as downloads.
Don't try to write a first chapter in the dark. This course will shine the light on what elements you need to help you navigate writing the all-important first chapter, so you can win over readers.
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to work hard with this course.
Your Instructor
My name is Rebecca Talley and I LOVE to write. As a kid, I dreamed up characters and wrote stories. All. The. Time.
As an adult, I've published ten novels/novellas as well as a children's picture book, a children's chapter book, a writing resource guide and numerous articles and stories for print and online magazines. I've also served on the board of directors for a national writing guild, served as a first chapter judge, and taught writing classes at conferences, schools, and in the community.
I met and married my sweetheart, Del, while in college. We are the sometimes frazzled, but always grateful parents of ten wildly-creative and multi-talented children. We've added -in-laws and the world's most adorable grandkids to our family.
I lived in rural Colorado for many years with goats, horses, cows, rabbits, miniature donkeys, and a llama named Tina, but relocated with my family to Houston, Texas where I spend the summer in the pool trying to avoid the heat and humidity.
I am passionate about God, my family, and writing fiction. When I'm not writing I love to hang out with my family, swim in the ocean, eat Dove dark chocolate, and dance to disco music (while I clean the house).
You can learn more about me and my books at www.rebeccatalley.com.