Featured Online Fiction Writing Class

FROM BETTER TO BEST: Writing Fictional Beginnings that Hook Readers with Melanie Faith

START DATE: January 24, 2025

DURATION: 4 weeks

LOCATION: Private group and email student provides when registering for the class

FEEDBACK: Weekly instructor feedback of exercises

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Readers, editors, agents, and writers speak again and again about the importance of beginnings, especially in longer stories, such as novellas, and novels. During this four-week workshop, we’ll explore what makes a successful beginning for a fiction project, the purpose of a start, the importance of arriving late and leaving early, some genre considerations where applicable, reasons why some beginnings fail to hook readers, how the ending can inform the beginning, and more.

Students will read The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings that Sell and How to Write Page-Turning Fiction and complete weekly writing assignments for personalized feedback from the instructor. There will also be an optional private class group for classmates to share shop talk and where the instructor will provide inspiring literary links. Join us for this exciting new class that’s sure to sharpen your beginnings.

Melanie has been a total joy as a teacher and guide. I found her feedback, critiques, and comments to be extraordinarily helpful and insightful. And the daily prompts and positive reinforcement made this writing class a wonderful experience! ~ Mary Purdy

Melanie demonstrates particular qualities in a writing teacher/coach that I would recommend for anyone looking for focused attention to help move their writing forward. I had not taken an on-line course previously, and didn't know what to expect, but Melanie melted the distance, was always accessible, and never missed a beat with out on-line communication. I always felt like I had Melanie right here around my writing table, or knocking on my door saying—“I had a few thoughts..." She provided a wealth of resources and provided us with course materials that were tuned to our course level. Her insight into my work, in terms of critique, were extremely thoughtful, thorough, and eye-opening. I feel that working with Melanie has allowed me to be braver with my writing and editing—as she was supportive of experimentation and taking chances with style, vocabulary, and theme. She provides serious critique in an atmosphere that, well, just makes me want to keep on writing!” ~ Mary Ellen Sanger

Melanie’s class taught me economy of words by using strong verbs and nouns, implying and showing rather than telling, and exploring topics outside of my comfort zone. Her feedback is prompt, detailed and constructive. ~ Rajni Gupta

Melanie knows how to offer on-the-mark suggestions for writing improvement while also being extremely encouraging (and a joy to work with). I've taken many classes with her, including the flash class, and I plan on taking many more. ~ Marilyn Fahey

The course was great. I did not want it to end. I have taken several college level creative writing courses, as well as, attended many writer’s workshops, but I have enjoyed this course the most. I really appreciated that Melanie would also critique our re-writes which was very, very helpful. This course has really helped to motivate me creatively. ~ Barb Cramer

WEEKS AT A GLANCE:

Duration: (4 weeks) Friday, January 24, 2025 course begins, through Friday, February 21, 2025

Week One: The Anatomy of a First Page, Purpose, Genre, Transformation

The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings reading assignment:

Introduction through Chapters 1 and 2, “In the Beginning Was the Word: The Anatomy of a First Page,” “The End is Where We Start from: Scene One,” p. 5-44.

How to Write Page-Turning Fiction reading assignment:

Introduction through Chapter 3, “Purpose,” “Genre,” “Transformation,” p. 1-20

Writing Assignment:

Part One: Grab four or five books from your shelf or from the library and open to the first page. Based on what you’ve read this week, read the first page of each book. Then, make a list, chart, or paragraphs of your observations about how these books hook readers from the start. You can feel free to refer to anything/pages within the reading and also to note how the book makes you react and connect as a reader. Tip: this exercise is particularly fruitful when observing/analyzing books within the genre(s) you write.
Part Two [Optional]: if you’ve written a long story or novel, do the jump-start exercise on page 35 about the first 250 words of your story.

Week Two: The Edge of the Beginning: Where to Begin; Arrive Late, Leave Early

The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings reading assignment:

All of Chapter 3, “Once Upon a Time: Your Best Idea,” p. 45-80, and an excerpt from Chapter 4, “The Edge of the Beginning: Where to Begin,” p. 81-89, stop at “Juggle This!”

How to Write Page-Turning Fiction reading assignment:

Chapter 5, “Arrive Late, Leave Early,” p. 26-30

Writing Assignment: Pick one of these exercises and write either a few paragraphs or an outline of your thoughts:

In How to Write Page-Turning Fiction, “Arrive Late, Leave Early,” what most surprises or resonates with you, and why?
In The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, on page 48, read through the list of “Top Ten Reasons Ideas Don’t Pass Pub Board,” and note if any of these reasons might apply to your manuscript and why.
Page 56: Start an Idea Box.
Page 57: Do a Deep Dive and write an outline or a few paragraphs about what you’ve found and what excites you.

Week Three: The Dignity of Greatness, Beginnings and Endings

The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings reading assignment:

All of Chapter 6, “The Beginnings Rulebook II: The Dignity of Greatness,” p. 146-175

How to Write Page-Turning Fiction reading assignment:

Chapter 7, “Beginnings and Endings,” p. 36-42

Writing Assignment: Choose one of the following exercises:

In The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, read the pages on types of conflicts, pages 152-157, and complete the Jump-Start exercise on page 157.
Read the pages on dialogue, pages 157-165, and do the Subtext, She Said exercise on page 165.
Complete the second dialogue exercise on page 169.

Week Four: The Structure of Revelation, Beginnings by Genre, Fine-Tuning Your Beginning, Telling Details

The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings reading assignment:

Chapter 7, “The Structure of Revelation: The End of the Beginning,” excerpts, start with “Beginnings by Genre,” p. 201 bottom-210, and Chapter 8, “Fine-Tuning Your Beginning: Bulletproof Your Beginning,” excerpt, p 211-213, and p 230-241

How to Write Page-Turning Fiction reading assignment:

Chapter 12, “Telling Details,” p. 74-77

Writing Assignment: Choose one of the following exercises:

Read The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, “Beginnings by Genre,” pages 201-209, and complete the “Jump-Start” exercise on page 209.
Read “Your Macro, Meso, & Micro Story Questions,” pages 230-231, and do the Jump-Start exercise on page 231. Important: instead of the first thirty pages of your story, use the first five pages of your story for this exercise. Then, compare the earlier draft with the cuts you’ve made. Describe how you feel about the newer draft. You are also welcome to describe your editing process and any other details you’d like to share in an outline or paragraph.
Read the “Act One Checklist” on page 232, and then choose three or four of the points to apply to (and reflect on) your own story beginning. Note if there’s anything about your beginning you love and/or if there are some things you’d like to edit/change and why.
After reading from How to Write Page-Turning Fiction, make an outline or notes about anything you learned or would like to share, as applied to your writing.

Materials needed:

The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings: How to Craft Story Openings That Sell by Paula Munier (Writers Digest Books 2016)
How to Write Page-Turning Fiction by Helen Cox (Helen Cox Books 2020)

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Melanie Faith holds an MFA in Poetry from Queens University of Charlotte, NC. Her writing has been nominated three times for the Pushcart Prize. She’s worked as a freelance editor for over a decade. Her latest narrative poetry collection, Does It Look Like Her?, about a painter, her son, and her teaching journeys, was published in 2024. Her full-length, historical poetry collection set in the 1918 flu epidemic, This Passing Fever, was published by Future Cycle Press. She&rsquoo;s also published a Regency novella (Uncial Press). Vine Leaves Press has published six of her writing craft books about such diverse topics as publishing, flash fiction, poetry, photography, teaching online, and writing a research book. In addition to numerous photography publications, her instructional articles about creative writing techniques have appeared in The Writer and Writers’ Journal, among others. To learn more about Melanie’s writing, teaching, and photography, please visit: www.melaniedfaith.com, Twitter: @writer_faith, and Instagram: @frompromisingtopublished99.

COST: $185, which includes access to a private group for student interactions.

BUY NOW: From Better to Best: Writing Fictional Beginnings that Hook Readers with Melanie Faith (4 weeks, starting 1/24/2025) Limit: 10 students. Early registration is recommended.

Notes: Upon successful completion of payment, your name, email address, and contact info will be submitted to your instructor. She will contact you via email so you can get started.

----------------

Additional Testimonials for Melanie Faith:

I took the nature writing class a few weeks ago and it was one of the best courses I've even taken. Melanie Faith is an excellent instructor. ~ Jean Forsythe

Your course has jump-started me back into writing. I have missed it. Thank you. ~ Melissa Healy

Melanie Faith’s “Spark and Sizzle Flash Fiction Class” lives up to its title. The sample stories provided were examples of good writing and served as models. Melanie’s prompts came at a rapid pace and kept my pen on the page every day. Her critique comments were sharp and encouraging and challenged me to be the best writer I could be. She is easily available for questions or discussions during and after her classes via her personal email. This is the third class I’ve taken with Melanie and I am looking forward to taking many more in the future. ~ Renee Cassese

Melanie has always shown great insight into my work. Often times, she is able to pull out deeper meanings, that even I wasn't consciously aware of while writing. Her constructive criticism has moved my writing into new directions. I find that I feel more confident and prepared as a writer by having her constant editing eye. I respect that she critiques my poetry honestly, letting me know areas that are weak as well as strong points. I wouldn't be able to grow as a writer if she always told me my poems were great. It's from her perspective of my work that I grow. I enjoy learning through her and appreciate her sharing tricks of the trade that she learned in her masters program.

I'm thankful to know Melanie and hope we remain friends and a poetry support system for the rest of our lives. She's the type of person and writer that anyone would feel lucky to know. She is a great mentor and holds a wealth of knowledge in the written language. Her achievements and constant pursuit as a writer inspire so many. Her determination and skill will go very far and I suspect she'll leave a lasting imprint in the written world. She already has. ~ Courtney Burger

Melanie demonstrates particular qualities in a writing teacher/coach that I would recommend for anyone looking for focused attention to help move their writing forward.

I had not taken an on-line course previously, and didn't know what to expect, but Melanie melted the distance, was always accessible, and never missed a beat with out on-line communication. I always felt like I had Melanie right here around my writing table, or knocking on my door saying—“I had a few thoughts..." She provided a wealth of resources and provided us with course materials that were tuned to our course level.

Her insight into my work, in terms of critique, were extremely thoughtful, thorough, and eye-opening. I feel that working with Melanie has allowed me to be braver with my writing and editing—as she was supportive of experimentation and taking chances with style, vocabulary, and theme. She provides serious critique in an atmosphere that, well, just makes me want to keep on writing!” ~ Mary Ellen Sanger

I have taken three courses from Melanie and in each course I grow tremendously as a writer. The texts she uses as well as the handouts and daily writing prompts all contribute to what she refers to as “the writing life” and in her courses that’s exactly what it becomes. Her comments on the pieces go way beyond grammar and punctuation. She delves into the content and clarifies what is good and what can be adjusted to make the piece stronger. I can tell she spends time reading what I write and is prompt in returning the assignments so I always have plenty of time for revision. She treats me, and everyone in the class, like a writer. Her classes are a joy. If there is a course offered by Melanie and I can fit it in, I always take it. ~ Holly Helscher

I have the normal anxiousness of sharing my work while so excited to have Melanie Faith’s critical eye read my writing. It is always reviewed with an eye to improvement and an eye to the thoughts the words contain. This is the first computer class I have ever taken and want to take many more. I also look forward to many more classes with Melanie Faith. ~ Benita Cervantes

Because I love memoir writing, I have taken two memoir/personal essay classes from Melanie. I can’t believe this, but because I enjoy the teacher herself and her method of teaching so much, I’ve even taken a poetry-writing class. I’ve always steered away from writing poetry of any kind ever since I wrote a poem in college (an assignment, not a by-choice piece) and the class laughed because I wrote about a controversial topic and was so naïve that I didn’t even know it was controversial. Every time I’d mention to Melanie that I’d never write a poem, she’d encourage me to take her class, assuring me that I’d be successful. I took the class, and sure enough, I was successful, thanks to Melanie’s velvet critiquing, encouraging comments, and thoughtful suggestions, many times seeing in my writing what I couldn’t see for myself.

I have to rein myself in every time I see in the WOW classes list that Melanie is teaching another essay class. And why is this? In all of my education (B.A. in English and M.A. in English), I never took a writing class. When I was in college, writing was taught only in Freshman English; after that class, we were just expected to know how to write. I learned to teach writing myself by reading books about writing. How refreshing and educational to find a teacher/mentor who exhibits the characteristics that I know an excellent writing teacher has: the creativity to come up with topics that students want to write about, the ability to critique without finding fault, the desire to encourage students to keep on writing even when the juices aren’t flowing. Believe me . . . she’s an excellent teacher. In addition, she became my friend through being my teacher. To be a friend AND a teacher takes real talent. ~ Sandy Young

----------------

Questions? Email Marcia & Angela at:
classroom[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com