Learn how to make your stories compulsively readable from the first page
Ever stayed up past your bedtime reading?
Maybe it was a book you loved. Maybe it was one full of horrible characters you couldn’t stand. But something kept you turning the pages.
What makes a story so irresistible? Why can’t you just stop at the end of a chapter? And how can YOU create stories that do the same?
In this half-day intensive workshop, prolific author Sarina Dorie will teach you the secrets of writing hooks and twists that make readers keep turning the pages.
You’ve probably already tried…
You’ve read articles about crafting a strong opening. You’ve rewritten your first sentence–or entire first page–but still can’t get it right. Or perhaps you start out strong but lose momentum. It’s time to learn what makes a story unputdownable.
In this workshop you’ll learn:
- What makes YOU keep reading–so you can do the same for your readers
- How to hook your reader from the first line
- What makes a great first page (and why so many get it wrong)
- How to compel your readers to keep going–even when they should be sleeping
- The top techniques to engage readers
- The secret to ending chapters so your reader MUST keep reading
- When and how to use these techniques for the best effect
This workshop is for you if:
- You want your stories to grab readers and not let them go
- You struggle to write openings that feel strong and engaging
- You’re tired of feedback that says, “it starts slow,” or “I wasn’t hooked”
- You love books that keep you reading into the night and want to know how to create that magic yourself
What to bring:
Come prepared with a beginning sentence or paragraph from your own work–or a story that needs a good one–to workshop and refine.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
9 am to 1 pm
In-person at the Wordcrafters studio
436 Charnelton St. Ste 100
Eugene, OR 97401
Cost
Access: $119 – if you have limited access to funds
Sustainer: $159 – the actual cost of this program
Patron: $199 – if you have more access to wealth/resources and can support others who need to pay less
Choose the ticket price that best reflects your financial capacity. We trust you to discern your financial situation and your level of need or ability to give to others with less access to wealth.
Learn more about our Pay From Your Heart Pricing.
We want everyone to have access to our writing programs. If you need additional support, please complete our scholarship request form.
Wordcrafters members save 10% on this and other events and classes.
Click here to learn about becoming a Wordcrafter.
Ready to write stories readers can’t put down?
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Masks are optional. Please stay home if you’re unwell with any upper respiratory illness.
Your instructor
Sarina Dorie (she/her) Sarina Dorie has sold more than 200 short stories to magazines, won humor and romance awards, sold three novels traditionally to publishers, and self-published over 100 novels. She has experience with mystery, fantasy, science fiction, horror, young adult, humor and romance.
Sarina Dorie used to work at a digital advertising agency as a copywriter and editor and wrote synopses daily. She now helps clients craft their own blurb and synopsis—and uses this skill for her own writing.
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