With so much competition for readers’ time and attention, readers (including agents and editors) make a decision within the first 25 pages whether to continue reading. You have to grab them by the imagination from the first line. The beginnings of stories have never been more important in hooking readers and leading them through the story. This six-week intensive session focuses on crafting the best possible first chapter, starting with the first sentence, introducing the central conflict, and revealing your main characters as they head toward the point of no return.

Instructor: Amy Paige Condon

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Mondays, April 27-June 1, 2026

The Stacks Bookstore, 2409 Waters Ave.