I’ve heard writers talking about ‘the hook’

[Guest]

.. and I’ve heard it described as conflict, but what exactly is it, and how do I put that hook into my story and where?

[Jessie]

The hook isn't a particular thing. In writing it is simply referring to hooking the reader, just like a fish, so they continue reading on. An author needs to peak the interest of the reader so they start reading and hopefully continue reading. It really starts with your cover and title. That's what the reader sees first. Then if they like that, they'll probably read the back of the book blurb. And if that peaks their interest, then they'll start reading the first few paragraphs. If they like the writing style and the content, they'll continue on.

So you'll want those first few paragraphs to intrigue the reader and hold their attention. They don't necessarily have to be exciting; they just have to make them want to keep reading.

What makes a reader want to continue reading is subjective. They may like your word choice, your writing style. They may connect with the character right away or be curious about something you've written or like your sense of humor or intrigued by the conflict you've presented.

Some writers try to write something shocking as the first line to entice the reader. That works sometimes, and sometimes it doesn't. Contrary to what many might say, you can open your story quietly. An opening that gently lulls a reader in can be one of the strongest hooks there is because the reader becomes completely immersed in the story.

Also keep in mind that what hooks/entices one reader may bore another. Personally, I don't care for the shock opening; to me it's just a gimmick and weak writing.

Usually the best thing to do is get some critique partners or beta readers who read your genre and ask them for feedback on your opening. What you've written may be great as is, or it may need some minor tweaking, or it may not be the best place to open and they'll help you with that.

Best of luck to you

[Florence]

I think the concept of "the hook" comes from journalism. It is the first sentence or paragraph of your piece. It's the hook that grabs the reader and makes him/her want to read on. It makes your reader ask questions and he will want to read on to get the answers. It can be an action thing or it can be provocative, but it should be one, if not the most, creative part of your story. Look at some first sentences/paragraphs of some news stories, check out the opening lines of some of you favorite stories. Think about the emotions/desires they inspire in you. That's a hook.

[Rebekah]

For the Hunger Games to the hook was the arena and what might happen. The Hobbit, the hook was how could a Hobbit help fight a dragon. For Bosch, the hook is outsmarting the killer.

The Hook is what piques your interest and makes you want to read to the end. I think it's intentional by the author, but could be different for different readers.

[William]

The inciting incident is the thing that propels the story forward to eventual conclusion. The hook is the thing on the very first page that makes the reader want to turn the page two. They don’t have to be the same thing.

But if the only thing on your first page is a bunch of information, you are like 98% of the new writers out there but you don’t have a hook.

[Michael]

The "hook" is the enticement for the reader to keep reading. In one book I used a mother waking up her 17 yr old son and his reaction to her seeing him nearly naked. In another book, I use an attack and destruction of the main character's ship to entice the reader.

[Tom]

My interpretation of a hook just the turning point at which a story gets going. It's the event in which the rest of the story wouldn't take place if it wasn't for it.

[Lili]

Hook is not necessarily a conflict, it's a literary technique writers use that is USUALLY in the beginning of a story, or a writing piece, since it really is originally a journalism term. It's what HOOKS the reader to keep reading, thus the name Hook. In ny beta reading feedback, HOOK is one of the elements I comment on because it's very important. People, readers, are easily bored now and if your story didn't hook them in the first 10% of your book, they might put it down, and goes on to their next read. That's how important hook is.

Also, when I said it's not necessarily a conflict is because it can be just a detail about your character that you revealed early in your story and makes your readers get interested in that character and their journey in your story...That's also a hook.

[Colby]

Going off my personal experience... It's both the first couple of paragraphs at the beginning that rope me in and a random point that out of nowhere keeps me hooked until I finish... But its exact location tends to change depending on reading and story

[Marian]

Ideally the hook is on the first page so as to capture the casual reader's attention. The hook is anything that makes the reader keep reading to find out what happens. You were asking what conflict is. Basically, it's anything that threatens your main character's ability to get what they want. It's your task as author to make the reader care and be interested. Remember that conflict doesn't have to mean violence. It can be anything. Your mc could leap out of bed panicked because the alarm didn't go off. Then the car has a flat tire.

[Amy]

The hook is earlier than the inciting incident most of the time. It's the thing that makes you go HA INTERESTING and you keep reading. Usually by page 25. It's setting up something where you know something is about to go down.