Week I:   The Tasks of an Opening  and how to tell if you've achieved them.

                Types of Openings and when they work best

                    Opening techniques #1 and #2, with exercises

Week 2:   Opening techniques #3,  #4,  and #5, with exercises

Week 3:  Opening Techniques #6 and #7, with exercises

Week 4:  Opening technique #8, with exercises.Summary of techniques.

Student Comment: "When people used to tell me my writing was 'lyrical' I thought that was a good thing.  But editors weren't buying my stuff.   I took this course on openings and found out why.  Now I know when and where to use the lyrical, and when to jump right out and grab the attention of readers and editors.  It works." 

"This was a great class.  I liked the one-on-one approach." 

"I've been told and have read numerous articles about the importance of an opening hook, yet was still in the dark about what made something a hook.  I was so frustrated with the opening of my novel that I finally left it and moved on to following chapters - but it haunted me every time I sat down to write. It made me doubt my ability (and I hate that).  Then I took your class.  Opening hooks are suddenly clear to me.   Now I'm so excited about working on my opening again.  I know what's needed and I know I will 'hook" my readers.  All writers should take this class: a renewal jolt  for the experienced writer and a godsend for the novice.  The handouts were easy to follow. All keepers...I'll review them often." 

I love this...and your book (I'm still reading it)...excellent.  You've made me aware of things around me.  You've opened my eyes to the point that I will have to get a tape recorder to be able to record it all.  Not only do I see the landscape but the surroundings are much more interesting, not to mention the people in airports, restaurants...Fantastic...

Great class. After reading your lesson, I realized how info.-heavy beginnings really turn me off. That's why I can never read much science fiction. Those beginnings bore me. And yet, I'm guilty of the same tendency to get info.-happy at the beginning. Thanks!

I learned a lot about openings.  I especialy liked your real-life examples from other writers, to show how it's done. 

Thought for the day:  The E-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail.