What you will learn
What is involved
What you need to know
What you can do next

Writing First Chapters – How to Hook ‘em, How to Hold ‘em

Course Overview

Editors and agents will judge a story by that first chapter… often within the first three pages. So how can a writer hook their reader? In this hands-on workshop by an award-winner fiction author, we will be discussing first chapters and first pages in popular fiction, what works and what doesn’t, how pace is your best friend, how to plant the seeds of your story and how to beef up your writing to grab an editor’s eye. All participants are asked to bring their first chapters to work on.

Learn from Award-winning Australian fiction author, Paula Roe:

Join Paula Roe, an award-winning, multi-published fiction author who will break it all down, answer your questions and explain exactly what a romance novel is/is not and why romance continues to endure (it’s not all about the kissing!). She is a regular Borders Books bestseller and one of only five Australian authors who write for Harlequin Desire, a line published by Harlequin Enterprises, the biggest romance publisher in the world. Harlequin books go out to over 28 countries and are translated into 28 languages in 114 international markets on six continents. Before publication, Paula’s writing won and placed in various contests, including Wisconsin Romance Writers Fabulous Five Silver Quill, Magnolia State Dixie First Chapter, Romance Writers of Australia’s Emerald Award and the Valerie Parv Award.

Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!

Learn more about this course

What you will learn

Course outline

In this course you will learn:

  • To identify popular fiction genres
  • The tools on how to engage their readers from page one
  • What chapter hooks are
  • What pace, story and rhythm are
  • How to edit for maximum impact

Course outcome

By the end of the workshop you will:

  • Be able to define your chosen genre
  • Have a greater understanding of what engages a reader
  • Be able to write an effective chapter hook
  • Identify areas of writing to improve
  • Develop the framework to plot a story

What you need to know

Entry requirements

The ability to read and write in English at an intermediate level or higher.

What you need to provide

Please bring a:

  • Notepad and pen
  • A first chapter to work on

Coming soon

There are currently no classes scheduled for this course.

Please check back later as classes are added regularly or get in touch for more information.

Contact us

Delivery Mode

To meet the needs of our students Macquarie Community College balances delivery and engagement across permanent, regular and temporary delivery sites and offer face-to-face, remote zoom classes and self-paced learning options.

Ways to Study

  • On campus

Our college campus locations are:

    • Blacktown
    • Chatswood
    • Carlingford
    • Epping
    • Ryde
    • Mt Druitt
  • Virtual classroom
  • Complete workplace training
  • Combine ways to study

FAQ

How you got questions? Please see our comprehensive FAQ page for everything you need to know about Macquarie Community College, our policies, student support, application and enrolment procedures.

How to Enrol

Step 1 - Choose Your Course

  • Select the non-accredited short course you are interested in.
  • Find a day and time that suits your schedule.

Note: Enrolment is open to anyone 18 years or older.

Step 2 - Enrol and Verify

  • Click ‘Enrol Now’ after selecting your course and schedule.
  • Enter your details on the enrolment page.
  • Verify your email through a secure link sent to your email address.
  • Complete the secure checkout and payment process.

Ensure you read the Terms and Conditions available at: Macquarie Community College Terms and Conditions. For assistance, call customer service at 1300 845 888.

Step 3 - Receive Your Enrolment Details

  • You will receive an immediate enrolment confirmation email upon successful enrolment. Check and read the attached Terms and Conditions.
  • The payer of the enrolment will receive a tax invoice immediately after processing.
  • You will receive a course reminder email a day before your class begins.
  • For Online Zoom classes, a Zoom link and password will be emailed the day before class. Use the same link and password for subsequent sessions if applicable.