$59 for Members $119 for Non-Members Are you ready to take your novel manuscript to the next level? Now more than ever, a strong opening is vital for a novel’s success. Your manuscript has very little time in an agent’s or reader’s hands before they decide whether or not to keep going. In order to stand out from the hundreds of other novels, your opening pages need to be polished and diamond-sharp. In this class, we’ll cover everything you need to jump start your manuscript with compelling tension and a vivid, distinct voice. This class will cover: The six elements of a strong beginning. How NOT to open your first chapter. How to create a flexible outline that grows with your novel. How to set—and raise—the stakes of your novel. Simple methods for organizing your work in progress. In addition, this class will include a live workshop component where you can get feedback on the opening page of your novel from your class peers. While workshop participation is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged! To participate in the workshop, please bring the opening page of your novel draft (between 250-400 words) and be prepared to read it aloud to a small group of 4-6 people. TAKE THIS CLASS IF: You are just beginning the process of working on a novel. You’re curious about what it takes to write a compelling novel that will keep your readers engaged from the get-go. You are knee-deep in the process and want to hone your opening pages. You have an idea for a novel, but don’t know where to start. The deadline to register for this class is Wednesday, May 6 at 5:00 PM CDT. Can’t make it to the live class? No problem! All classes are recorded and made available to students until July 31, 2026. CONTINUING YOUR WRITING JOURNEY SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION The WLT is committed to making our online classes accessible to all writers including writers who do not have the financial means to pay for programming. Five (5) seats in this class have been set aside for scholarship recipients to attend free of charge. Please fill out this application no later than 2 days prior to the class to be considered for one of the scholarship seats. We do not ask for any corroborating documents; we only ask that you help us understand your situation. If you are selected for one of the available seats you will be notified via email (from wlt@writersleague.org) no later than 24 hours before the start of the class. Please note, each writer is limited to no more than four (4) total scholarship seats per catalog season.
