Alida, Kathryn, and Robert open things with a massive explosion, lives hanging in the balance, and a hero so heroic yet relatable you’ll wish she could step off the screen to have dinner with you! Did we hook you? After defining hooks, we go deep into the first two kinds: the story premise and the almighty opening hook.
Show Notes:
What is a hook? And what are the different functions they can serve in a novel? How do you craft an opening hook, and what things should you keep in mind as you do? And finally, don’t forget about the value that first sentence can have on your whole work.
What we talked about:
What is our working definition of a hook in fiction? (0:20)
How does the premise function as a hook? (0:40)
How does the opening function as a hook? (3:28)
What are other kinds of hooks in a novel or series? (4:50)
How do hooks vary by genre, type of story, or level of drama? (5:50)
So is a hook anything that keeps the reader in the story? (10:15)
The value of first sentence or paragraph hooks. (12:20)
How should theme be present in your opening hook? (18:05)
Things we mentioned:
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Saturday by Ian McEwan
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Want more about these topics? Check out:
SWRT 6: Openings
60 Second Tip: Hooks & Endnotes
Have thoughts, questions, other examples? Join the conversation at the Story Works Writers Facebook group.
