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  • Hooked on Fiction: Crafting Your First Chapter (Fall 2026)

Fall 2026

Hooked on Fiction: Crafting Your First Chapter

In this Journey, we’ll tackle one of the most daunting parts of novel writing: the opening chapter. Participants will explore how to hook readers while establishing character, setting, and stakes—asking big questions like where to begin and how to share key details without overload. Whether starting fresh or revising a draft, writers will gain tools to craft impactful, memorable openings.

Fall 2026 Pre-Enrollment Is Open!

Express your interest in this Journey by filling out the form below.

You may also sign up for Mentorship on Demand at any time.

 

Pre-Enroll in a Fall 2026 Journey Explore Mentorship on Demand

Learning Objectives

Master the Key Elements of a Strong Opening

Learn how to craft a compelling hook, introduce characters, set the scene, and raise the stakes—all within your first chapter.

Develop Rich, Motivated Characters

Explore techniques to establish character depth and motivation early in your story.

Build Strong Settings and Stakes

Use limited space to create a vivid world and high-stakes tension that draws readers in.

Choose the Right Starting Point

Identify where your story should begin to immediately capture interest and momentum.

Journey Teaching Artist

Girls Write Now

For 25 years, Girls Write Now has been breaking down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor the next generation of writers and leaders who are impacting businesses, shaping culture and creating change. Thank you for joining our movement.
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Multigenre 360

All Journeys within this Adventure focus on writing in a particular genre. Learn more about the other Adventures offered at Girls Write Now below.

Hooked on Fiction: Crafting Your First Chapter is a Journey in the Multigenre 360 Adventure.

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From Page to Production: Screenwriting for Short Films (Part 1) (Fall 2026)

This two-cycle Journey guides participants from crafting a short film script to bringing it to life on screen. In the first cycle, mentors and mentees focus on developing compelling stories, dynamic characters, and engaging dialogue, learning the essentials of screenwriting for short films. In the second cycle, participants move from script to screen, exploring the practical aspects of video production, including planning, collaboration, and bringing their creative vision to life. By the end of the journey, mentees will have both a polished script and hands-on experience in producing their own short film.

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Life Lines: Crafting Memoir and Nonfiction (Paid Adult Version) (Fall 2026)

In this three-cycle Journey, writers will get the support and expert industry insight they need to write their memoir. In the first three-month cycle, participants will outline, structure their book, and begin their first drafts; in the second three-month cycle, participants will write and workshop their drafts; and in the third cycle, participants will finish their drafts and write their book proposals.

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