How do you write an opening that instantly hooks your reader?
An opening so captivating, it compels readers to keep reading.
A hook is the first thing that draws the readers into your story.
In this episode, we’ll focus crafting a story opening that makes continuing to read, irresistible.
There are four common elements that a compelling story hook has. And we’ll break down each with examples.
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Episode at a glance:
[02:27] What is a hook? And what’s its purpose? Learn a simple definition of a hook, and why you don’t need to craft one right out of the gate. In fact, you’ll want to return to it as your story takes shape.
[06:08] The best hooks catch something already in action. So we’re meeting the characters in the middle of something significant or revealing. By action, I don’t mean car chases, bank heists, or explosions.
[07:49] A great hook provokes questions. Questions the reader craves answers to. It answers some questions early, and delays others.
[13:48] A great hook makes an emotional connection to the reader. Readers need to feel something so that they care about what happens as the story unfolds.
[18:24] Contradiction
This is all about surprise. This is when you put things together in a scene that we don’t normally associate being together, and this creates an irresistible tension.
Links mentioned in this episode:
The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner
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