CLASS 76: Great Beginnings: Perfecting Line 1, Page1, Chapter 1

You know the great opening lines: Ishmael, Manderley, the last camel. Why do those work? And how can you create one for your own novel?  And then--what about that crucial first paragraph? And a first page that will entice editors and enchant readers? How can you set the proper expectations for the story to come—and make every word work? Does your first line entice readers to read your second line? Or does it cause them to close the book?

In this class, suitable for any genre, USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan will show you how to dissect and analyze acclaimed first lines and opening paragraphs, and reveal the writing secrets these brilliant examples offer. If you are brave enough--Please bring your own first line!  Hank and the class will offer advice and guidance—to set you and your book off in the right direction.

📣 You can register for this individual class, or you can join Outliers to unlock access to this and all upcoming classes!

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the USA Today bestselling author of 15 psychological thrillers, winning the most prestigious awards in the genre: five Agathas, five Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also on-air investigative reporter for Boston's WHDH-TV, with 37 EMMYs and dozens more journalism honors. National book critics call her “a superb and gifted storyteller.” Her current novel is the pageturning standalone THE HOUSE GUEST, a story of psychological manipulation exploring the dark heart of marriage and friendship. Publishers Weekly says “Ryan is a master of suspense!” and Library Journal says "Ryan is has a gift for writing superb suspense." Hank is the co-host and founder of THE BACK ROOM, host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze, and co-host of FIRST CHAPTER FUN. https://hankphillippiryan.com/