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.

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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

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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