SKU: 15465333804

First, the Dragon Attacks: Writing Gripping Opening Scenes in Science Fiction and Fantasy

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Description

First, the Dragon Attacks: Writing Gripping Opening Scenes in Science Fiction and FantasyOn page one, a dragon breathes fire on a crowd of screaming victims and gobbles one of them up. Then, the author describes the dragon, but only after grabbing your attention. This order is crucial. You have one chance to make a first impression, so save the backstory and scene setting for later and make that opening paragraph count! With examples from some of the most popular science fiction and fantasy novels, best selling author and veteran editor

On page one, a dragon breathes fire on a crowd of screaming victims and gobbles one of them up. Then, the author describes the dragon, but only after grabbing your attention. This order is crucial. You have one chance to make a first impression, so save the backstory and scene setting for later and make that opening paragraph count!

With examples from some of the most popular science fiction and fantasy novels, best-selling author and veteran editor Philip Athans teaches you to start your story with a bang. You'll learn the qualities of a gripping first sentence and paragraph, the principal of in media res (in the middle of things), and how to keep your readers engaged by recognizing what they need to know in the moment.

INSTRUCTOR BIO:

Philip Athans is a consultant, editor, ghostwriter, former senior managing editor for TSR/Wizards of the Coast, and the best-selling author of Annihilation and a dozen other books, including The Guide to Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction and Writing Monsters. He blogs at Fantasy Author's Handbook: https://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com and you can follow him on Twitter @PhilAthans.

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SKU: 15465333804

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Brian
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 3
Misinformed dimensions
This product misinformed me of size. It’s 47.235” in length not 48” as advertised. This is just another means of manufacture cheating customers with false information. I did not return as I was just moving into home. I was also in a hurry to finish the installation since I bought three of these not knowing the truth. You can make your own choice but I needed 48” and paid for 48” and got shorted. I used the shipping box to make an template to install brackets that manufacture did not provide.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2025
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Angela Salinas
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 1
Terrible for the money
I purchased 2 sets…for the money I highly suggest going to an actual store to purchase…very low quality and looks horrible…I don’t want a replacement which was all that was offered…not happy
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Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2026
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Amber
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 3
One out of the four shelves was badly bowed
Exactly what I was looking for but the reason for only three stars is thatone out of the four shelves is extremely bowed, but I only needed three so I just kept them. The quality on the other three is good they are a lightweight wood and anchored to the wall. Well, they seem pretty solid.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2026
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Angela Benton
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Will buy again
Color: Walnut, Size: 2 Pack
Great color, hardwear was easy to install, quality great, very stable, all in great fit great size and love the look
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Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
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Judy V.
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Good product at a reasonable price.
Color: Grey, Size: 2 Pack
The shelves were easy to install, are sturdy and look good.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026

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