There's a lot the opening pages of your novel need to accomplish so readers are completely engaged and to ensure you hit the benchmarks readers are subconsciously expecting. Susan DeFreitas share some practical advice for making sure you are starting your novel in the right place and what elements of story you need to establish to keep the reader to pages and not putting your book in the DNF pile.

Susan DeFreitas is another in a growing line of Jane Freidman alums (along with Tiffany Yates Martin and Allison K Williams); check out her article, How Can You Tell If You’re Starting Your Story in the Right Place?, which served as the base for our conversation.

Susan DeFreitas' website:https://susandefreitas.com/
Barbara Hinske's website: https://barbarahinske.com/
J. W. Judge's website: https://jwjudge.com/