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February 11, 2025

A Crash Course in Novel Writing

Your story matters, and "someday" is not the time to write it. If something has been holding you back from writing your novel—whether it be lack of time, lack of motivation, lack of knowing how to write it, or just plain fear—then Grant Faulkner, former Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month, can help you get your creative juices flowing and take the first steps to planning your novel.

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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Upcoming Events

February 11, 2025

A Crash Course in Novel Writing

Your story matters, and "someday" is not the time to write it. If something has been holding you back from writing your novel—whether it be lack of time, lack of motivation, lack of knowing how to write it, or just plain fear—then Grant Faulkner, former Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month, can help you get your creative juices flowing and take the first steps to planning your novel.
February 19, 2025

Logline Workshop

You may have been banging your head against the wall trying to construct a great logline, but you’re frustrated you can’t quite hit the mark. Merridith with teach the components execs want to see in a logline, and provide tons of insights. You’ll leave with the tools you need to whip them into shape.
February 25, 2025

Querying Agents: Query Letter Essentials

Zoe Quinton is a book editor and has also worked as a literary agent. She will help you navigate the landscape of writing queries and finding the right representation for your writing career, as well as critique your query letter, post event.

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February 4, 2025

One-on-One with J.T. Ellison

J.T. Ellison is not only a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, she's also an EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS, and one of the most generous professional writers in the industry. As always, our Symposium one-on-one conversations are a community event. While Jeanne Veillette Bowerman and J.T. converse, your questions will be addressed, too!
January 28, 2025

Concept is King: Elevating Story Concepts

What makes a good concept? And how do you make sure you fulfill its promise on the page? In this symposium, veteran screenwriter and teacher Tom Vaughan defines concept and shows how to exploit it your narrative projects. This session will offer a whole new insight in what is meant by commercial viability.
January 15, 2025

Troubled Waters: Navigating the Agent/Author Relationship

Agent Stacey Graham from 3 Seas Literary Agency will share how to recognize the signs of when your agent/author relationship may be headed for the rocks, what to try to right the ship, and when it's time to head for the lifeboat in this fast-paced presentation. 

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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