A Workshop for Your First Chapter:

Beginning Where It Matters

Saturday, August 9th @ 10 am PT / 1 pm ET
Register Now for $18!

Pay what you can option available.

Workshop Details

Discover what makes agents and readers pay attention and how to deliver it from the very first page.

In this fiction-focused workshop, you’ll learn the core elements of a compelling opening chapter from establishing stakes and grounding the reader to introducing character and voice.

Through guided prompts and practical examples, you’ll explore where your story truly begins and how to write an opening that builds curiosity and momentum.

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a framework for writing a first chapter that sets up your plot, introduces your character, and hooks your reader.

Can’t make it live? A recording of the workshop will be provided.

Workshop Host

Charlotte Chipperfield is an author, writer of women's fiction, developmental editor, and book coach who empowers women and underrepresented authors through her platform, Her Narrative. With a focus on telling the stories of women finding their voices and unapologetically going for what they want, Charlotte weaves authenticity and empowerment into every story she writes and supports.

In addition to her fiction writing, Charlotte is a contributing author in the 2025 release of Soul Rising: Guidance for Navigating Your Spiritual Awakening, a non-fiction book exploring personal growth and transformation.

With years of experience in crafting compelling stories, Charlotte combines editorial expertise with compassion to help writers develop their unique voices and narratives. As a recognized public speaker and book judge for competitions such as the Independent Publishers of New England, Literary Arts PDX, and the Women's Fiction Writers Association, she has established herself as a leader in the publishing industry.

Through Her Narrative, Charlotte creates a space where authors can hone their writing skills through courses and community. She passionately advocates for voices that have historically been overlooked or marginalized, believing that stories have the power to challenge perceptions, build empathy, and enrich our collective narrative—a mission that drives her coaching, editing, and writing work.

“Characters are the bridge between your story and a reader’s emotions compelling them to keep reading.”

Charlotte Chipperfield

What You’ll Learn

  • Where Your Story Really Begins
    Learn how to move past backstory and open with a moment that matters.

  • Ingredients of a Strong First Chapter
    Learn what every great opening needs to orient and engage your reader.

  • Introduce Your Main Character
    Make readers care quickly about your main character by showing what’s at stake.

  • Create Immediate Tension
    Keep readers turning pages by building curiosity from the start.

  • Common First Chapter Pitfalls
    Learn what slows stories down or turns agents away.

  • A Simple Framework for Your Next Draft
    Leave with a structure you can return to every time you begin again.

 FAQ

  • This workshop is designed for fiction writers of all levels, whether you're just starting out or refining a work-in-progress. If you want to create compelling, well-developed chapter, this session is for you!

  • Not at all! While it can be helpful to apply the exercises to an existing project, you'll also get plenty of inspiration and tools to develop a new story from scratch.

  • This workshop replay is available for lifetime access. Watch it as many times as you need.

  • No. Refunds are not offered for digital content. For questions, please email hello [at] hernarrative [dot] com for more.