The First Page Hook

[B.R.Stateham]

We all write novels. We all want to 'hook' the reader. The question is; how soon do we hook'em? Do you go out of your way to write that first page, maybe that first paragraph, to compel the reader to dive deeper in your book? Or do you progressively open up your story and hope the reader follows along?

How important is the first page? The first chapter? And should we rely on a 'hook?'

[I. J. Parker]

I've done both. The kind of book I write (historical mystery set in Japan) frequently requires background about the time, setting, and culture and, since it is a series, also a bit on the characters. That means that in several cases I had to construct a short prologue filled with action (a crime) before starting the first chapter. In one novel, an incident starts the story and is sufficiently intriguing to avoid the prologue, but that doesn't always work out that way.

[B.R.Stateham]

I agree, Joyce. I agree.

[J. F. Juzwik]

I agree with that. It's okay, I suppose, to have bodies start dropping by the middle of page 2, but then where do you go from there? How do you top that? More bodies? Boring, I think. Right from the beginning though, you 'hook' your reader by setting a tone and give them hints here and there, just little tidbits of what may come soon or maybe later. You do need to grab them early, but hanging on - now, that's what we need to work hard at. Joyce

[B.R.Stateham]

I agree the 'hook' doesn't necessarily mean bodies have to start falling. A good hook is writing style. Something distinct. Something, I think, we are all hunting for.

[Dana King]

I think capturing the reader's attention is important, but also that too much s made of the first sentence/page/chapter "hook." Too often it's interpreted to mean bodies have to start falling before the reader's seat is warm. I think the "hook" can be more than action or plot. Writing style, mood, a number of things can draw the reader in, which is a term I much prefer, and how I prefer to treated as a reader. Beat me over the head and I'll struggle to get away; lure me in and you can probably do what you want with me. (Figuratively speaking.)