Hooks

What words will grab the reader and keep them engaged?

That question plagues every writer. Some writers fall into the trap of dwelling on the hook. They obsess over that perfect opening line, paragraph, or chapter. Although it is important, it is more important to finish the story. After all, most writers have experienced the necessity of deleting or radically changing that cherished first chapter. Finish the story, then you can turn your focus to how to hook the reader (and the agent or editor).

Which brings us to the hook. Your words must enthrall the reader without being trite. This is hardly an easy task. Writers across many generations have contrived a wide array of unique and worthy openings. Which means that it is incredibly difficult to come up with something new. Great writers make it seem easy. Some drop the reader into the mist of an argument, a battle, a crime, or any number of other happenings. Some use beautiful prose to pull the reader into their thrall. Some grab the reader with a cleaver twist.

As a writer, your job is to find the appropriate opening for the story you are telling.