January 24, 2016 HWG Meeting

S.J. led the meeting today. She gave us the first page of three different books to read, analyze and discuss. Though we had differing opinions, we agreed on the following points that must be present on the first page of any book.

• wondering/mystery should invoke the reader
• characters - make us care
• the first line must hook the reader
• setting, conflict and story line/topics are important for the opening
• pacing shouldn't be slow
• avoid cliches and extra words
• be careful of inconsistencies and inaccuracies

It was a lengthy discussion among our seven members in attendance. There was no time to write so it is our homework for the next meeting to write an opening page to a story (2-3 paragraphs) keeping the above notes in mind. Hopefully we'll see some posted here.

Our next meeting is Sunday, February 7th at 1:30pm