Megan Abbott

I've mapped out elements that are present in the beginning of all successful novels and memoirs.

And I've designed checklists, actual checklists, that you can use to ensure that your story's beginning is seducing your reader.

we'll cover how to write a great first line different types of beginnings and how you can choose the best one the best place to start and the best way to start yes these are totally different things when it makes sense to add a prologue and when it doesn't how to frame your inciting incident in an appealing way

how to balance exposition and mystery, how to include context but not weigh it down with too much backstory, and what to do if your story has more than one POV or timeline.

Most of all, I'm going to show you how to make readers want to turn to chapter two.

Join me for this multi-day course designed to help you break through the noise.

You'll leave with a clear, actionable breakdown of exactly what goes into a terrific beginning.

If you've already signed up, come prepared to take lots of notes.

We're talking hundreds of slides with real-world examples and specific techniques, plus a super fun surprise that I can't wait to share.

I hope to see you there.

Welcome, everyone.

I am here with bestselling and award-winning author Megan Abbott.

author of multiple novels, including, of course, her latest El Dorado Drive, which is now available in paperback.

Described as an atmospheric novel of friendship and betrayal, El Dorado Drive is one of those novels that does it all.

It offers the reader a super unputdownable story that's propulsive and fun, and it contains layers of social commentary on a topic that I am very passionate about, women and money.

It explores power, vulnerability, the desire to regain control of one's life through the allure of wealth.

So without further ado, welcome, Megan.

We're so glad you're here.

Will you give us your little elevator pitch for your book?

Yeah, well, you did the best job right there.