Of all the literary techniques I'm analysing right now, this one is proving rather enjoyable.
Today's H in the A-Z Blogging Challenge is for Hook, sometimes known as the "Narrative Hook".
Some people refer to the hook as the first sentence of the first chapter. Others define it as the first paragraph, or even the whole first chapter. Many will say it's vital to end every chapter with a hook, to convince the reader to turn that page.
Me? I don't care what it is, as long as it draws me into the story. In my own writing, I want hooks-a-plenty. I want my readers to feel perpetually hooked: Don't you dare put that book down, I'm not finished talking to you!
Anyway... *ahem*
I began to scrawl through possible examples of good hooks online, but turned to my very own bookcase for inspiration in the end. Funny how I always go to Google first, when I have a plethora of information right in front of me!
Here are some of my favourites:
This happened in 1932, when the state penitentiary was still at Cold Mountain. And the electric chair was there, too, of course.
Stephen King - The Two Dead Girls
The last thing I expected was for Alexander Taylor to answer his own door.
Michael Connelly - Lost Light
If a road could look welcoming, then Summer Street had both arms out and the kettle boiling.
Cathy Kelly - Past Secrets
"It must look like an accident. Can you arrange that?"
Sidney Sheldon - Memories of Midnight
"I'm going shopping in the village," George's mother said to George on Saturday morning. "So be a good boy and don't get up to mischief." This was a silly thing to say to a small boy at any time. It immediately made him wonder what sort of mischief he might get up to.
Roald Dahl - Georges Marvellous Medicine
Oh I could go on, but I shan't. Instead, I'd love it if you'd share your favourite hooks with me?
In the meantime, have a listen to today's music video. It is dedicated to the humble Harp. I love the sound of harps playing. Lets all bask in the tranquillity... sigh :)
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