Readers rarely quit a book for just one reason. Bradley Harper draws on neuroscience and his experience as a contest judge to explain what causes readers to disengage and what keeps them turning pages. This session explores the psychology behind narrative connection, highlighting common craft missteps that break immersion and the techniques that help stories hold attention longer.
What Agents Want in the First Five Pages
The first five pages often determine whether a manuscript moves forward or stops cold. Literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary shares what agents look for immediately, how to capture attention fast, and why some submissions stand out while others fade. Writers...
