Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Marlies Sargent – First Chapter Review
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Zoom
Topic: First Chapter Review
Process: Reading and making notes on chapters using a feedback checklist before the Workshop.
Does your first chapter hook the reader by jumping into the action and providing a glimpse into the character’s current chaos, and by establishing a clear tone and showcasing your voice?
A first chapter review provides individual feedback on the strengths and areas for improvement in your first chapter.
This workshop will be a hands-on, guided discussion of first chapters using specific feedback from participants. Each participant will make notes on different story elements and first chapter must-haves (based on specific criteria given out prior to the workshop) to provide thoughtful and constructive feedback in a group discussion.
Marlies Sargent (she/her) is a fiction editor living in Calgary. Marlies is passionate about helping authors feel confident in their writing and learning new skills along the way. She uses her 10 years of previous teaching experience to work one-on-one with authors through their writing journey. When she’s not reading or editing, Marlies can be found walking her dog, playing soccer, and making cheesy postcards for her nephews.
Learn more at https://workingwords.ca