Creating Compelling Openings in Writing

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Starting writing with a captivating opening is like opening the door of a house to invite readers in. Begin with a great story to draw readers in, avoiding unnecessary details. The first room in your writing must be intriguing to entice readers to explore further. Spend time perfecting the opening chapters as they set the tone and rules for the rest of the writing. Take care not to overdo the beginning, as it may not end up being the actual starting point once the entire piece is completed.

Neil writes about all the icky, taboo things you’re not supposed to say out loud. As the author of ten New York Times Bestselling books, he’s built his career on getting celebrities like Rick Rubin, Kevin Hart, and Jenna Jameson to open up in a way that most writers are too afraid to do.

But don’t get it twisted — “being vulnerable” doesn’t mean “word-vomit your deepest, darkest secrets to the world.” It means sharing who you truly are in a way that’s interesting to other people.

In this episode, Neil reveals how to be vulnerable in your work, the right way. He breaks down story structures that hook your reader. He reveals how to cultivate your life to support your writing. And he shows you how to say things in public that most people would be too scared to share with their closest friends.

If you’re scared of sharing your work in public, this episode is for you. Come learn how to synthesize your vulnerability in a way that resonates with other people.

SPEAKER LINKS:

Website: https://www.neilstrauss.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neilstrauss

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neil_strauss

Books: https://www.amazon.com/Neil-Strauss/e/B001H6NT1I

WRITE OF PASSAGE:

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PODCAST LINKS:

Website: https://writeofpassage.school/how-i-write/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel/videos

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470