CLASS 93: The Critical First Page: Thoughts on How to Open Your Thriller from a Bestselling Author

In this class, bestselling author Alex Finlay will talk about the critical first page and why it matters so much to agents and editors—and readers—in an increasingly competitive market. Along with his views on the craft of the opening line and page, for the first 15 writers who sign up, Finlay will critique your first page live during the

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YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Alex Finlay is the bestselling author of several acclaimed novels, including the 2026 instant national bestseller, The Anniversary. His work regularly appears on best-of-the-year lists and has been translated into twenty-nine languages and sold around the world. Alex’s books have been optioned or in development for film and television, including Parents Weekend, which was recently acquired for adaptation to the screen. Alex is a director of the thriller/mystery section of the Leopardi Writing Conference in Italy, and a board member of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. He lives in Washington, D.C. https://alexfinlaybooks.com/