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March 25, 2025

Spies, Lies, and the Secrets We Keep – Spy fiction, what is it and how do we write it?

In this 2-part event, get a a deeper understanding of what makes a novel fall into the spy fiction genre, as well as how to write stories that possess the basic elements of spy novels. The principles also apply to thriller and mystery genres.

Book Pipeline

Book Pipeline connects writers to publishers, agents, and the film industry through competitions and workshops, providing hands-on support to bridge the gap between emerging authors and the industry since 2014.

Script Pipeline

Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.

Film Pipeline

Film Pipeline connects filmmakers and writers with agencies and executives, focusing on diverse storytelling and playing an active role in developing and promoting projects, reviewing thousands of submissions annually since its launch in 2018.

How to Write a Standout Opening

Recorded

January 31, 2023

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Subjects

Publishing, Screenwriting

Topic

Craft

The old adage is true: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. In writing, you never get a second chance to hook a reader. Whether it be a screenplay, novel, picture book, or memoir, your opening pages are crucial when it comes to holding your reader's attention. 

In this presentation, Leigh Statham will be drawing from her years in publishing and writing to cover the following: 

  • How to find the REAL opening for your story.
  • Traditional tropes and cliches to avoid and why you should avoid them.
  • Creative and rock-solid ways to make your opening stand out.
  • Amazing story openers to model.

By the end, you'll have a toolkit ready to help tackle the beginning of any written work.

Host

Leigh Statham
Leigh Statham is an author, poet, teacher, and avid reader. She grew up in the wilds of rural Idaho and now resides in North Carolina with her family, several pets, and various allergies. She holds an MFA in YA literature from Converse College and has been nominated for several awards and won a few, most […]

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March 25, 2025

Spies, Lies, and the Secrets We Keep – Spy fiction, what is it and how do we write it?

In this 2-part event, get a a deeper understanding of what makes a novel fall into the spy fiction genre, as well as how to write stories that possess the basic elements of spy novels. The principles also apply to thriller and mystery genres.

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Symposium, presented by Pipeline Artists, is a year-round virtual conference empowering creatives with honest, no-nonsense guidance across the arts. Through seminars, industry panels, and Town Hall discussions on screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, and career-building, Symposium offers grounded advice from working professionals to help you forge your own unique path.

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