The first page of a novel or story is the place where the reader and author meet. In this class we’ll explore the power of the first page, where the acceleration begins, where the characters first show their fear and their love, where the sound and rhythm is revealed, where the key to the rest of the book can be found. And by the time we reach the bottom of the page, we have likely felt the first pain, seen the first swerve, and been introduced to every element of the story, though we do not know it yet.
In the case of speculative or sci-fi, you’ll also have the first clues of the world we’re in. The tensions may be tinged with global significance, or we may have a hint of the uncanny. Or we may already be immersed in a very different time and place. In this generative workshop, we will study together six first pages of great speculative stories and novels. Then we will use them as models to try our own. We’ll come away with first-page writing strategies that honor the depth of the story and techniques to captivate the reader from the first paragraph with character, momentum, style, and promises of what’s to come.
This is the livestream registration for this event, to register for the in-person, click here. This course is a part of Spec Fest, a two-day celebration of speculative fiction taking place the weekend of August 29-30, and is open to the public. To learn more and find passes, which include discounted registrations to this event, click here.
