Write a great narrative hook for your story

One sign
Fiction - Plotof a good opener is that it makes the reader want to continue with the story. Using a fishing metaphor, a good opener “hooks” the reader.



Writers who catch the reader have employed a successful narrative hook. A narrative hook involves dangling elements of the story before the reader so he can’t help but bite. This is done by making the reader want to know more - the who, what, where, when, how and why of the story.



Consider this story opener:



Jord ducked around the corner, pressed himself hard against the damp wall, wishing he could fade into it. His eyes darted toward the wall’s edge, hoping to catch the shift of a shadow, a movement of brush, any sign at all that they were close.



Notice how it dangles elements of the story. The reader wants to know why Jord is running and who is chasing him. The reader wants to know if Jord will get caught.



Successful narrative hooks usually begin the story in the middle of the action. Conflict already is underway. Beginning a story this way immediately creates dramatic tension, which for most readers is the delight of the narrative.



Need an editor? Having your book, business document or academic paper proofread or edited before submitting it can prove invaluable. In an economic climate where you face heavy competition, your writing needs a second eye to give you the edge. I can provide that second eye.



Related articles

How to form your story's basic structure
Avoid exposition (Show, don't tell!)
Avoid giving readers a big info dump
Draw readers into story with great opening lines
When exposition is necessary in a story
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 07, 2013 04:38
No comments have been added yet.