Literary Devices

The Hook

Soft hues of orange and pink painted a stark contrast to the hard edges of the city skyline. I clutched my coat collar to my neck as I pressed through the bodies crowding the sidewalk. That's when I saw her, shivering on the curb against the December chill. She wore a tattered hoodie and dirty jeans. No gloves. We caught sight of each other as I approached. The look of hunger resided in her gaunt face, and her surrendering gaze told me she had given up. I realized I could not just pass her by. It was the day I took a chance and my past caught up with me.

What is a hook?

Simply stated, a hook in narrative writing is the technique of creating an enticing beginning — the very first line or opening of a story — designed to capture the reader's interest. This hook can be viewed as the promise we as writers make to our readers about what's in store for them should they decide to continue reading. But there is more to writing the first chapter of a novel than coming up with a great hook. A number of elements need to be in place in those first few pages to pique the reader's interest, a symphony if you will. We will explore those elements here.

📌PRO TIP: If you're looking for inspiration for your next story's hook, you might try researching Best First Lines in Novels or Best Opening Lines to get those creative juices flowing.

📌NOTE: Look for the bonus section on book titles as hooks at the end of this chapter.