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Learn the essential principles of crafting compelling opening lines for novels in this 11-minute video featuring author and UCLA Extension instructor Tony DuShane. Discover practical insights from an experienced novelist and screenwriter who has adapted his semi-autobiographical work "Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk" for film and teaches creative writing professionally. Explore the strategic considerations behind first lines, understand what makes an opening sentence effective, and gain perspective on common misconceptions about novel beginnings. DuShane, whose journalism has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Mother Jones, and other major publications, shares his expertise from years of teaching novel and screenwriting while hosting the long-running author interview show "Drinks with Tony" since 2002.
