Best First Lines—Hooking Your Reader

Hello writing friends!

There is a little four-letter word you often hear in the writer's world. No, not the bleep-worthy word some use when frustrated! This word's description according to Merriam-Webster is: "A curved or bent device for catching, holding, or pulling, as well as something that is intended to ensnare." The word is HOOK. When you're a writer, that small word may cause anxiety.

You MUST!

How many times have you heard, "You MUST hook your . . . 

. . . literary agents, editors, readers, teachers, librarians, and book sellers? I'm feeling squirmy just reading that list! That's a lot of people to hook. How can we make this a little easier? Maybe if we break it down and look at examples, our breathing can return to normal.

What is a Writing Hook?

A writing hook, also called a narrative hook, is the very first sentence, paragraph or first page of a book written in such a way to entice people to continue reading. Sound like magic? Perhaps. I'd like to think we are all capable of creating that magic.

How to Hook

So, what will hook people in when they start reading the first page of our book? Think of emotions. The beginning of your story needs to evoke some sort of feeling in your readers. The good news is that there are multiple feelings to choose from. Here's a small example:

• Curiosity
• Fear
• Excitement
• Wonder
• Laughter

Your goal is to make your readers feel something so they will turn the page and keep reading.

My Fun Part —Examples

Oh, how I love doing book research for all of you! I poked around my book library and found three examples, all children's books, that will give you a feel for good hooks. I hope you enjoy them!

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"It was late one winter night, long past my bedtime, when Pa and I went owling. There was no wind. The trees stood still as giant statutes. And the moon was so bright the sky seemed to shine. Somewhere behind us a train whistle blew, long and low like a sad, sad, song."

Jane Yolen - "Owl Moon"

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"Frog ran up the path to Toad's house. He knocked on the front door. There was no answer.

'Toad, Toad,' shouted Frog, 'wake up. It is spring!"

'Blah,' said a voice from inside the house.

'Toad, Toad,' cried Frog. 'The sun is shining! The snow is melting. Wake up!'

'I am not here, ' said the voice."

Arnold Lobel - "Frog and Toad Are Friends"

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"Hello, stars. I thought I heard you calling me. Do you have something to tell me, stars? Can you see me from up in the sky? I want to know what you're saying. Oh, look. Morning is coming. Will I see you tomorrow night? Don't forget my name. I'm Louise! Louise! Louise!"

Brian Selznick - "Big Tree"

Those Beautiful Feelings

Did these beginning passages move you? This is what it feels like when you have an irresistible hook. I hope this makes the book hook a little less nerve-racking. Now excuse me while I continue reading "Big Tree." It has hooked me—again!

Till next time . . .