How to write a great beginning hook
You know those magical lines that just pull you into a story, making you think, ‘Well, I just have to read more!’? That’s the hook we’re talking about, and in this article, we’ll take a close look at how to craft this attention-grabbing beginning for your story. No fishing rod required!
What is a beginning hook?
The beginning hook is your story’s opening line or paragraph that captures the reader’s curiosity. Think of it as the literary equivalent of a movie trailer, something that gives a taste of the excitement, drama, or intrigue that awaits.
Why use a beginning hook?
The hook serves one main purpose – to engage the reader and prompt them to turn the page. In our fast-paced world, where distractions are aplenty, your hook can be the difference between a reader sticking with your story or abandoning it for a YouTube cat video.
The ingredients of a great hook
1. Surprise the reader
Start with something unexpected. The classic line from George Orwell’s 1984, “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen,” is unsettling because clocks don’t strike thirteen.
2. Pose a question
A question can make readers pause and ponder. Consider J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye: “If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like…”
3. Introduce a character
A well-drawn character can instantly hook readers. Herman Melville did just that with the line, “Call me Ishmael,” in Moby Dick.
4. Create a visual image
Painting a vivid picture can reel readers in. For example, “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit,” from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
How not to do it
Avoid clichés like waking up from a dream or staring at oneself in the mirror. And don’t start with large info-dumps. Readers don’t need a Wikipedia entry; they want a story.
Practical exercises
- Study other hooks: Look at your favourite novels and see how the authors have crafted their hooks.
- Write different versions: Experiment with different ways to start your story.
- Ask for feedback: Share your hooks with writing groups or friends to see what resonates.
Reeling them in
Crafting a great beginning hook is like preparing a delicious appetizer. You want to tease the palate, not fill the stomach. A good hook can make your reader’s curiosity insatiable, compelling them to dive into your story with gusto. So go on, cast your line, and may you catch a reader – or a whole school of them!
