If you’ve heard this maxim once, you’ve heard it a hundred times – the first 10-15 pages of your script need to be killer.  You will be judged by these first and foremost, so better make them good. Unfortunately, in recent years, many authors (big name pros and just-beginners) think this means that you need something to happen in that first act that literally makes the reader jump out of his/her/their skin from shock and awe.

So, we get more and more opening pages with rapes, murders, incredible violence, suicide – anything to guarantee your bored, overworked 1^st line reader will not need two Red Bulls and a coffee to get beyond page 15.  Aspiring writers look at the opening of BREAKING BAD in which anti-hero Walter White is fleeing the police, driving a mobile home full of dead men and standing in the desert in his underwear and conclude, “my story needs to begin like that.”  Is it a compelling flash forward?  Yes.  Does every series and film need to start out this way?  No.

There are actually a wide range of ways you can build engagement and suspense and evoke a desire to continue reading, besides smacking your reviewer in the face with some variation on horror. And next Monday, we’ll discuss how you can craft a first act that makes the reader want to dig into the rest of your story because what you’ve set up absolutely excites and engages.

This is a 2.5 hour workshop, offered virtually from 7:00 – 9:30 PM EST, and those who sign up will be given a worksheet to help you make sure your 1st act has all the ingredients to set up a successful feature or series. The cost is $20.00.  Members who sign up for this will also be encouraged to submit to our upcoming Call for An Act I Table Read where selected first acts will be read aloud by professional actors. Priority consideration will be given to those who participate on Monday.

During the workshop we’ll look at a few examples of great first acts that DO NOT start with shock treatment and we’ll consider one or two that do.  We’ll discuss the slow burn versus the big punch opener and what your readers should know about the main character and supporting ones, coming out of this act. And so much more!

So, bring your questions and issues associated with a project you’re working on and we’ll apply some of the essential First Act criteria to your story, as part of the exercise.

Hope to see you then!

SAVE THE DATE AND SIGN UP:  Simply pay $20.00 via Zelle or Paypal using the links genine@hsswriters.com or 978-505-5652. Indicate 4/25/22 Workshop. You may also sign up right here at our website. All proceeds go to the volunteer, non-profit HSSW in support of our programming.  Deadline for sign-ups is 2:00 on Monday, April 25th EST. The Zoom link and worksheet will be sent out on the day of the event by 2:00 PM.

TIME:  7:00 – 9:30 PM EST via Zoom