Writing First Chapters - How to Hook ‘em, How to Hold ‘em - Sydney Course

We offer training in face to face and/or online learning formats.

• Please see scheduled class for delivery format.
• Online classes delivered via livestream video over Zoom.

Editors and agents will judge a story by that first chapter... often within the first three pages. So how can a writer hook their reader? In this hands-on workshop by an award-winner fiction author, we will be discussing first chapters and first pages in popular fiction, what works and what doesn’t, how pace is your best friend, how to plant the seeds of your story and how to beef up your writing to grab an editor’s eye. All participants are asked to bring their first chapters to work on.

• Paula Roe is a regular Borders Books bestseller and one of only five Australian authors who write for Harlequin Desire, a line published by Harlequin Enterprises, the biggest romance publisher in the world. Harlequin books go out to over 28 countries and are translated into 28 languages in 114 international markets on six continents. Before publication, Paula's writing won and placed in various contests, including Wisconsin Romance Writers Fabulous Five Silver Quill, Magnolia State Dixie First Chapter, Romance Writers of Australia's Emerald Award and the Valerie Parv Award.

Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!

Course Outline

In this course you will learn:

• to identify popular fiction genres
• the tools on how to engage their readers from page one
• what chapter hooks are
• what pace, story and rhythm are
• how to edit for maximum impact

Course Outcome

By the end of the workshop you will:

• be able to define your chosen genre
• have a greater understanding of what engages a reader
• be able to write an effective chapter hook
• identify areas of writing to improve
• develop the framework to plot a story

What to Bring

Please bring a:

• Pen and notepad
• A first chapter to work on

Other Information:

• No textbook required

Prerequisite

The ability to read and write in English at an intermediate level or higher.

Important Information

Please note: You will need access to the internet and a smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop in order to participate in the livestream video classes.

Delivery Mode

• We offer training in face to face and/or online learning formats.
• To check the delivery mode of the course you are interested in please view the class timetable.

Classroom based: experienced and engaging trainers will take you through the course material face to face.

Classroom based learning for this course includes:

• Scheduled class times and sessions
• Interaction with your trainer and other students

Please note: Government COVID-19 regulations and recommendations, including appropriate social distancing measures, hand washing and other hygiene protocols will be in place at all times and may result in course delivery changes.

Remote learning: experienced and engaging trainers will take you through the course material via interactive livestream video classes online.

Remote learning for this course includes:

• Scheduled class times and sessions
• Livestream video classes online
• Interaction with your trainer and other students during livestream video sessions

Please note: You will need access to the internet and a smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop in order to participate in the livestream video classes.

Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!