Extremely. Without hooks, the reader stops reading.

Today’s letter in the A-Z Challenge   is H.

H= Hooks

Hooks are needed throughout the story, not just in the beginning.

Everyone knows about the Opening Hook. That first paragraph that grabs or catches the reader’s attention. Or not. This is your chance to win or lose the reader.

But, that’s just the beginning. Once you have the reader’s attention, you must keep it.

That’s the job of the hooks. Scattered throughout the story or essay, hooks persuade the reader to keep going. Always enticing them to turn the page.

So, just what have y’all taught me about Hooks?

There are several different hooks:

• First sentence – hooks the reader to read the first paragraph.
• First Paragraph – lures the reader deeper into the chapter.
• Dialog – engages the reader in the conversation.
• Scene – determines if the reader will read the next chapter.

What is a hook?

• A first impression.
• Something to propel the story forward.
• An unusual detail or startling fact.
• A strong statement or opinion.
• An engaging question.
• An exaggeration or outrageous statement.
• A question that begs for an answer.
• An anecdote that leads into a scenario.
• Foreshadowing trouble.

Be careful!

Don’t fall into the trap of the old “bait & switch.”

The story must live up to the hook. It should capture and express what the reader can expect.

It’s no fun to be drawn into a story only to find out you’ve been misled and that the only thing interesting in the story was the hook. No one likes to be tricked.

How important do you think a hook is?

Do you think hooks should be used throughout the manuscript?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

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Want to explore the intricacies of writing hooks? Then click on these links.

How to write dialogue that hooks readers: 10 tips

Writing Hooks (Not Crooks) By Kat Feete

Starting With a Hook

Writing 201: Intros and Hooks

Write Better Fiction: The Scene Hook  ~ KRISTINA STANLEY