Monday, October 11, 2010

Hooks

Let’s talk about hooks...and no, not Captain!

I have read bad books that have great hooks.
I have read great books that have so-so hooks.
I have read great books with great hooks.

I have also heard that a hook can make or break whether or not the agent or editor looks at the book.

So let’s hear about hooks, what do you think?

Have a great week!

Best,
June

www.junesproat.com

7 comments:

Morgan Mandel said...

The first sentence doesn't have to be a hook, but if I don't like the first page, I won't buy a book.

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

When I buy, the first paragraph needs to indicate an interesting situation I want to learn more about.

June said...

Morgan and Kay, Thanks for sharing!

We could take it further and add what if the 1st page doesn't grab you but the back page info does?

Would you buy?

Debra St. John said...

Hi June,

I'd say yes to your question. Sometimes it takes a while to get into a book, but once in, it can be all-consuming. If I like the blurb, but the first page doesn't totally pull me in, I do stick with it for a while. Nine times out of ten, it's worth the wait!

Margot Justes said...

Hi June,
I don't look for a hook, before I started writing, I had no idea what a hook was, other than the one you use to hang things on.

As a reader I looked at the writing, the premise of the story and the back page. As a writer and reader, nothing has changed for me.

www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris

Deb Larson said...

I feel hooks help an agent, not necessarily the reader. I'm more interested in the characters. I'm drawn into the story through their actions/thoughts than by some words worked just so to sound compelling.
DL Larson

Janet Toney said...

I like to get right into the story from the first sentence, but I have purchased books for other reasons.
I've been drawn to the setting and then the story, if it took place somewhere I knew about or had visited or lived.
I've selected books for the main character as described on the back or inside of a cover as well.
But, really it's best when things just get going right from the beginning.