First pages are like first impressions; they're very important in establishing a connection with the reader. Within the opening pages, a writer must create a setting, tone, introduce character(s) and hint at the conflict to come. Well crafted first pages hook the reader, enticing them to find out what happens next. Phenomenal first pages might attract an agent to request more of your manuscript. It's no wonder with this kind of pressure that writers agonize over polishing first pages until they're perfect.
I'm a big fan of writers helping other writers, so I'd like to introduce a blog series called First Page Workshop. Once a week, I'll put out a call on Twitter to enter your first page for a free critique by yours truly. I will select a winner at random and post their first page here on my blog along with my comments and suggestions. A few guidelines:
I hope you'll find this series helpful, and I look forward to reading some epic first pages!
I'm a big fan of writers helping other writers, so I'd like to introduce a blog series called First Page Workshop. Once a week, I'll put out a call on Twitter to enter your first page for a free critique by yours truly. I will select a winner at random and post their first page here on my blog along with my comments and suggestions. A few guidelines:
- Enter by tweeting me with your title, genre and category along with the hashtag in the following format: TITLE (MG, Fantasy) #FirstPageWorkshop
- Entries must be tweeted by the specified time to qualify
- Winners will be notified by DM. If selected, you'll be asked to email your first page (up to 250 words)
- All genres and categories are welcome, though MG and YA are my strengths
- Keep in mind that critiques are objective and I am only one opinion
I hope you'll find this series helpful, and I look forward to reading some epic first pages!