I'm terrible with blogging. I really enjoy it, when I get going but sometimes I have a hard time getting started. So, I've decided to take part in a 21 day, no excuses blog challenge. I'll post links later. One thing I like, they are giving suggested topics for each day. Which really helps. Today's topic is "hooks". I'm not going with their suggested discussion about hooks, but that's okay.
As a writer, hooks are hard. There is so much a hook has to accomplish. I mean, it has to get the reader to continue reading, and in this fast paced, go-go-go world, that's harder than ever to do. As I thought about how I wanted to go with this topic, I pondered some ideas. For example...
She leaned over the balcony, staring at the ground only 4 floors below, and wondered if she'd survive the fall.
Is that a good hook? I'm not so sure. Would someone read on to see why she was pondering this? Maybe, if they didn't have anything else to do.
She leaned over the balcony, staring at the ground only 4 floors below, and wondered if he'd survive the fall.
Al little better. Who is she? Who is he? What did he do that would make her want to push him? Did he deserve it? Or, is she a victim?
Hooks must cause the reader to ask questions. And those questions must drive the reader to continue to the next line, the next paragraph, the next page, the next chapter.
So, as a writer, how do you handle hooks? And, as a reader, what are some of your favorite hooks?
Share in the comments for a chance to win some free stuff. I'll give away a couple books along with a critique.
Check out these
great blogs participating in the blog challenge.
