Ep131: Does My Book's Hook Work?

Announcements:

• Early registration for the 2024 retreat opens November 1 for the public, but EARLY access to the Early Bird registration is Oct 1 (next month) so if want early access for sold out tickets, become a patron this month.

• I'm in a new anthology by Tsunami Press with my essay "Eye Contact." You can preorder at http://www.tsunamibooks.org/shop/pre-order-tsunami-press-first-anthology Due out the beginning of October 2023.

• Preorder of Season of the Shadow up now. (Erick's new title.)

I'M READING: beta read

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

Harness: A Systemic Approach: Guaranteed to Revolutionize Your Coaching by Tess Cope

Up Next: Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue

Erick's Reading:

BearTown by Fredrick Backman

Show Notes:

A hook grabs attention and pulls a reader in. It can also be the premise or setting. Should be on the first page--third page at the maximum. It's the story promise, and causes a curiosity to know more and turn the pages.

First chapter should have many questions raised, but answer only one (or two?) at end of the first chapter. (Tex Thompson)

First lines vs hook: (The 1st line could be considered the beginning of the hook.)

Write one true sentence and then another... (Hemingway)

Start with the best line.

What does my book have? How quickly, succinctly, mysteriously can I start my novel?

Film writing: Why now? Why this scene now?

What are the elements of the story that are different? Know what's unique about your story.

First line file [put in brackets]

Hook file (story ideas)

What If? = premise

Know the tropes of your genre so that you can subvert it and put a unique spin on it.

Either have to be first, different, or best. (In business.)

As a writer, there are plenty of options to be different.

Titles: either first idea or the 50th.

Next Episode: How to Use Your Backlist