Today I am teaching a class on crafting openings that will make your readers lean in.

I have had many writing teachers. Many. Great. Good. Bad. Terrible. Fortunately the terrible ones have faded and I only remember the positive ones, the ones who cared about words and about creating stories that are the best they can be.

When I stand in front of a class, I always have one prayer. I hope I say something, just one something, today that makes their craft better. From all the great teachers, I have taken at least one bit of wisdom that has made my journey as a writer feel less perilous and less lonely because I have one more useful tool in my toolbox.

If I do that one thing for one person, I am happy.