Program Description

Have you ever read the first line of a book, put it down, and never gone back to it again? What about a book that from the first line on immersed you in a story so deeply you couldn’t stop turning the pages until you finished? Writer’s are challenged with grabbing readers from the first page, the first line of their work because there are few second chances from readers and even more so from editors. This hour-long writing workshop will explore the importance of first lines in novels, how to make them ring true to the theme(s) of your work, and how to incorporate the concept of en media res to bring action to the front.

MAGPI is pleased to partner with JKS Communications to bring our members this exciting event.

Videoconference Outline

• Introduction to the author (5 minutes)
• Opening lines ice-breaker - Like/dislike (5 minutes)
• "Lecturette" (20 minutes) 
  * What grabs and what doesn’t – examples from modern literature   
  * First lines and theme
  * En Media Res
• Writing activity – theme and writing an opening line (10 minutes)
• Read Aloud from Open wounds – 2 openings…(10 minutes)
• Question and Answer (10 minutes)

Pre Videoconference Activiteis

1. Required: Visit www.lunievicz.com and read through the background on the author and the first chapter of the book, Open Wounds.
2. Optional: ask students to look at opening lines of books and choose two they like and two they don’t like for discussion.
3. Optional: Read blog post on opening lines: Call Me Ishmael

About Author Joe Lunievicz

Joe Lunievicz has excelled in many areas over the years – as competitive fencer, public speaker, yoga instructor, and improvisational actor – but in his heart he always knew he was a writer. For years he wrote early in the morning before work and then, after his son was born, late into the night.

At 16, Joe began writing stories, essays, and poetry that illuminated the unique subcultures he’s been part of in his native home of New York. His work has explored the worlds of amateur rugby and fencing, fantasy and science fiction gaming, and stage combat and theatre. These experiences certainly inspired Joe’s debut novel, Open Wounds (WestSide Books, May 2011). His fiction and poetry have appeared in Smoke Magazine, Playboy.com, Rugby, Dragon Magazine, Another Chicago Magazine, and Mothering.