Hooking a reader
In the beginning god gave us light!! LOL I’ve always wanted to start a paragraph off with that. Which brings me to the point of todays blog. I’m always hearing how editors tell authors they must ‘hook’ a reader. It brings to mind the fishing rod scenario. But if you think about it, how many times do we sit down to watch a film only to be bored to death after the first few minutes? In this age where competition is rife, grabbing a reader’s attention is like holding onto a slippery fish. Fast, fierce and riveting should be the things aimed for with a hook. A new angle, twist of writing style sets you apart from the rest. Thats what we must all aim for.
I remember reading a book, Night Visions, by Ariana Dupre and was completely thrown that her witch character was a man. A rather, hunky one to boot. What a twist, when all the foreshadowing made me feel that she was the usual ‘hag witch’.
Be honest now. How many books have you picked up then cast aside because they just don’t do it for you? I have had two this month. The greatest gift a reader can give an author is the words, ‘I could not put the book down’. I had that with my latest book Abigail Cottage. The reader said, she literally stayed after work to read it! The one thing that struck me was the fact she said, even when she put the book down, she was still thinking about the characters.
I believe that an author really needs to sit down and think who their first readers will be. Over worked editors and Agents! They look for a ‘hook’ straight away. Almost like a person dying of thirst in the desert would search for water. A crashing noise, explosion, head chopping off (if you write horror lol) is a first sentence hook. It compels a reader to read on and see what’s happened. Joking aside, it is so important and each page should end with a page turner. You need your reader to want to turn that page. So remember, even one word can hook. Don’t be afraid to cast out your rods with hooks made of steel.
Let me know what you think of hooks and they will go on my writers blog under helpful author hints. Remember to leave your website address beside your comment.
Have a great day and I'll virtually see you next thursday with more food for thought.
Hooks made of steel huh lol I'm a reader but now I have a picture of you authors fiddling about with fish hooks lol Great post as always mags.
ReplyDeleteA good hook has you scratching your head, wondering what's going on, and wanting to find out.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't always have to be in the form of immediate action, though. One of my fave novels starts off with a young girl entertaining her two beau on the front porch of her family's plantation, and talks about how she isn't beautiful.
I just watched a movie the other night that I gave up on within 30 minutes - I tried to like it, but I found the main character good looking but overly dramatic, the plot stunk, the characters were so cliche it wasn't funny, and I could not find a single reason to stay, so I didn't.
Thanks for a thoughtful blog, Mags!
I had no idea so much thought was put into making a reader turn a page. I'm astounded. Informative and witty as usual margaret
ReplyDeletean excellent article, margaret. i think i rewrite my opening scenes more than any of the others to get that 'just right' hook. my general rule of thumb is for a novel ~ hook 'em in the first page, for a short story ~ the first sentence.
ReplyDeleteBoy the books I've given to charity because they didn't 'hook' me after the first few pages. And that was because the snippet on the back cover made it look interesting. Good blog Maggie, there again all your blogs are good.
ReplyDeleteI was in the middle of posting a promo when I received your link. How coincidental that I just said "what author doesn't love to read descriptive words like,riveting and highly-entertaining?"
ReplyDeleteAs far as hooks...your graphic definitely indicates the importance. When fishing for new readers, you have to have the right bait, and a great hook at the very beginning is bound to "catch" attention.
Nice post and so true.
ReplyDeleteI usually give a book 20 pages. Starting with an interesting event, a good voice will draw me. But...if I'm not vested in the characters by page 20, bye-bye book.
When I was younger, I used to watch soaps. They always end with a daily hook. I try to end my scenes and my chapters with a hook. It comes easy thanks to General Hospital!
ReplyDeleteI used to love general hospital maggie lol
ReplyDeleteGinger, always love to here your pov.
Lorrie, thanks for popping in, even if you are anonymous lol
David, short stories are hard enough to write, but like you, i always find a good start hook, really keeps a reader interested.
Thanks to the readers who popped in today. I'll be back next week with more interesting things to chin wag about.
Julie, I didn't see you there. A hook just needs to hook, like you say, it can be anything that draws in the attention.
ReplyDeleteI'll look for a hook now in every book lol I agree with peggy. I never knew how much thought goes into writing a book. We readers just think its a made up story nd thats, that. After following your posts i see thats not how it is at all. It's like you all go on a mission before you even start writing lol
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