Recording of Fiction Editing Masterclass # 8: Beginnings and endings

Description

Masterclass 8 – Beginnings and endings

Opening lines, scenes and chapters are critical in sparking the reader’s interest, while endings must provide satisfactory resolution of the plot. Much like two people dancing the waltz, beginnings and endings must be perfectly balanced, both in appearance and in skill and technique, so that they can appear as a singular unit, completely in sync.

By the end of this Masterclass, participants should be able to:

• Distinguish the purposes and effectiveness of opening and closing sentences, scenes and chapters.
• Identify the use of exposition, action, characterisation, style and tension in shaping an effective opening to a story.
• Reflect on the role of a story’s ending in ensuring balance, resolution and, ultimately, satisfaction for the reader’s investment.