First lines will support writers in noticing the different techniques for beginning a literary novel, from the philosophical to the characterful, and how to put these into practise.
The opening paragraph of a literary novel lets the reader know what to expect from the narrative. It might introduce a character or voice, declare a philosophy on life, or conjure a unique setting. In this workshop with writer Liane Wimhurst, participants will experiment with different techniques for beginning a novel.
What will you do in the workshop?
We will discuss the first paragraphs of contemporary literary novels. Participants are welcome to bring their own first lines for feedback and everyone will experiment with writing new beginnings. Writers will leave with a deeper understanding of what works in a novel’s opening and a greater awareness of what those early lines are telling the reader about the rest of the novel.
What can participants expect?
We will look at opening paragraphs from writers Olivia Sudjic, Olga Tokarczuk, Han Kang, Ocean Vuong and Chimamanda Ngozie Adiche. This will lead into a discussion of their different techniques and an opportunity to experiment with writing first lines in these modes.
Who is this opportunity for?
This workshop would benefit writers who have written a first draft or have an idea for a literary novel but are stuck on the opening.
Bursary places
We have 5 free bursary places available for writers on a low income. We define this as either earning on or below the London Living Wage and/or in receipt of benefits (e.g. Universal Credit). If you would like to request a bursary place, please email [email protected] with details of your eligibility for a bursary by 20 December 2025.
Access
If you require BSL interpretation, and/or have other access needs please email [email protected] so we can accommodate you.
Published: Thursday 11 September
About the tutor
Liane Wimhurst
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Liane Wimhurst is a London-based writer whose first published short story is forthcoming from Prism International. She is working on a literary novel about an aspiring war reporter in Bethlehem in the aftermath of Hamas winning legislative elections. It explores the role of the media amid atrocities, how to find the truth as a professional storyteller and what parts of a life count as worthy of reporting. Before writing fiction, she worked as a correspondent covering the Middle East and a global TV producer. She thinks her obsession with openings stems from having ADHD and always wondering whether a novel has the ingredients to hold her attention from start to finish. She is also a graduate of the Goldsmiths MA in Creative and Life Writing.