In a new post, C.S. Lakin discusses the importance of story hooks. “It’s a line that snags your reader and pulls them into the story,” she explains. “Some readers (including agents and publishers) won’t read more than the first paragraph of a novel if the ‘hook’ isn’t catching them.”
The hook generally involves the premise, which means you need a strong premise and plot. A strong opening hook also suggests that you’re starting your novel in the right place. “I believe that the more amazing, shocking, astounding, unexpected, and clever your story hook is, the better chance you have of success,” Lakin says. “But, even with a terrific story hook, you still need to think about those scene hooks. I would encourage you to go beyond trying to write a brilliant first line or paragraph to your novel and make every first line of every scene a great hook.”
The first line of your book, chapters, and scenes should make an impression on your reader. While you might write a great first line out of the gate, don’t get hung up on it during your drafting process. Many great first lines come out of the editing and revision process. In fact, you might find it easier to create that first line once you know how a scene or chapter plays out. Lakin concludes by sharing some examples of strong opening lines from Bad Things Happen, The Lovely Bones, and I Am Legend.
