April 25 at 9:00 AM PT

From an intriguing opening line to a final paragraph that compels the reader to turn the page, a solid first chapter serves multiple purposes. It can be the reason an agent requests a full manuscript, an editor falls in love with a project, or a reader buys a book.

Set the scene. Introduce the characters. Find the viewpoint character and the point of view. That all-important first chapter provides all this and more.

Join Elena Hartwell Taylor to talk about the elements that make up a great first chapter, and discover how to apply those concepts to any work in progress, whether it's fiction or narrative nonfiction.

Presenter Bio: In addition to working as a developmental editor and writing coach, Elena is a published author. Under Elena Taylor, she writes the Sheriff Bet Rivers series, starting with, All We Buried, and continuing this summer with the upcoming release of A Cold, Cold World. The Eddie Shoes Mystery Series appears under Elena Hartwell, including One Dead, Two to Go, Two Heads are Deader Than One, and Three Strikes, You're Dead. She also writes the Wait, Wait, Don’t Query (Yet!) series, including The Foundation of Plot and The Construction of Character. Prior to writing novels, Elena worked extensively in the theater as a playwright, director, educator, and designer. She has taught writing and theatre courses at the college/university level for more than twenty years. She holds a PhD in dramatic theory and criticism, a Master of Education with an emphasis in teaching theatre, and a BA in Mass Media Communications. For more information about Elena, you can visit her website and read her blog The Mystery of Writing about authors, new books, and the writing process.

Event Info: In addition to the live and interactive event, this event will also be recorded and made available to participants.

Accessibility: Live, auto-transcription will be available. For ASL interpretation or other accommodation, please indicate your request at checkout or email andrea@allegoryediting.com