Writing Active Hooks
When it comes to writing about writing, there are a million and one things to think about. Just as that song from Sound of Music Goes: "Let's start a the very beginning, it's a very good place to start." We're going to start talking about Writing Active Hooks. So first of all, let me define a hook.
Hook: something that attracts attention or serves as an enticement.
Sounds like something you want in your writing? Heck yeah! And where do you think it would be best to put your hook? First sentence. You heard me folks, first sentence of your novel. If you can hook readers there, you'll have them 'hooked' for at least until the end of the first paragraph. And then guess of another spot to put another hook? End of first paragraph! In fact, stringing hooks where you novel breaks naturally is the best way for your readers to keep reading. For example at the ends of chapters. After all, let's face it, it's human nature for us to be curious. We're curious beings and that's the point of hooks. What can be better than using our very nature to help sell our novels?
Now, I'm not saying that you can string a bunch of enticing sentences throughout your book and expect it to sell. Of course, you need a good story too. But all good stories have a beginning, so why not make your beginning the best it can be? For those editors and publishers out there who have a stack of papers a mile high, maybe that first sentence of your book is all the chance they'll give you to make them want to read more.
So there are many different types of hooks. Depending on the genre of story you're writing, you'll want to include more than a single hook.
1) Action or Danger Hook
2) Overpowering Emotion Hook
3) A surprising Situation Hook
4) The Totally Unexpected Hook
5) Raising a Question Hook
6) Unique Character Hook
7) Evocative Hook
8) Foreshadowing With or Without Warning Hook
9) Surprising or Shocking Dialogue Hook
Now I don't have enough room on here to write about the details of every single one of these hooks. If you want more information I highly recommend the book "Writing Active Hooks" two part series by Mary Buckham which is where I get my information for this article from.
Ariwrit3s
Good idea! At what point in the book is the reader hooked enough that you don't have to keep including hooks? Or is it best to keep using them and assume the reader might put down your book at any time?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say that there's a particular point where you would stop including hooks. Without hooks placed in the correct places, a novel could seem like it drags on. Of course, including too many hooks in one particular area can be a little over the top and may start annoying readers. Like i said in my article, spots where hooks could be placed that can never fail you are at the end of chapters. This will almost garantee your reader will read on.
DeleteYeah, this is really important! I was editing a friend's first chapter for him a while back and a lack of hooks was the first thing I noticed amidst an otherwise well written story. Your story has really got to grab people from the get go.
ReplyDelete