Set the Hook and Reel that Fishie In!
Most of you know my husband is a fishing show host. The man loves fishing. I don't really go with him, but I hear enough lingo to know if you want to catch a fish, you have to set the hook.
Setting the hook involves forceful action: You've got to yank the rod at the right moment. Too soon and the fish gets away. Too late and the fish swallows the hook.
Books are kind of the same way. We start our chapters with a hooky first line, but do we end the chapter that way? On a conflict or a question that the reader must read on to discover more? I think the end of each chapter is a solid place for setting a hook.
And while the first few pages are great bait for getting a nibble, it's the hook setting that will allow you to reel your fish in.
How does your book end? Do you think the reader is reeled into your author boat? Which authors have reeled you in? And did it happen on the first nibble of their books?
Setting the hook involves forceful action: You've got to yank the rod at the right moment. Too soon and the fish gets away. Too late and the fish swallows the hook.
Books are kind of the same way. We start our chapters with a hooky first line, but do we end the chapter that way? On a conflict or a question that the reader must read on to discover more? I think the end of each chapter is a solid place for setting a hook.
And while the first few pages are great bait for getting a nibble, it's the hook setting that will allow you to reel your fish in.
How does your book end? Do you think the reader is reeled into your author boat? Which authors have reeled you in? And did it happen on the first nibble of their books?
Comments
Lynette Eason reeled me in with her Women of Justice series. Loved her ending, made me want to run and grab the next book. So I did! :)
At least with a book hook, you don't cut your finger when caught by one. :D
The ending is crucial to keeping readers. I hope mine's effective in that way!
Jessica, I've heard so much about her books but haven't read one yet. Will have to remedy that. ;)
LOL Stina, true on cutting. Oh, and I agree. There should be some sort of hook/conflict on every page, I think.
Linda, looking at your reviews and sales, I think you're doing a fine job. ;-)
Me too, Katie! Can't wait to read your book.
Ok, seriously, I'll never forget when I learned the term ROP = Read On Prompt. It's what you should leave each chapter with--something that has them having to enter into that next chapter. I equate that to your hook setting at the end of each chapter.
Yes, I work on doing that with my writing. Emily March comes to mind as great with this and I believe the books I've read of Erica Vetsch also use ROP's really well.
My friend once told me you need to start every chapter with a hook and end every chapter with a hook, which is a tall order.
Loved your post on Seekerville the other day!
Thanks, Eileen, for the shout out! :)
My hubby and I fish - not as extreme as your hubby - bass, bluegill, Northern pike, trout and salmon - midwest lake fishing. I love it. I've fished since I was a little girl.
Love your analogy! So right on.
The best at setting her hooks at each chapter end is Jody Hedlund!
I'm definitely getting better at the beginning of the story hooks but I still struggle with the end of scene hooks. It's one of the things I've added to my check-list when editing. There's always something, right? :)
I just started reading "The Convenient Groom" by Denise Hunter, and holy smokes...Talk about hooks all over the place! I wanted to read the whole book overnight. But I held back and tried to pace myself. :)
Great post, pal!
When I first learned about "the hook," my focus was solely on the first chapter. Yet, we need a series of hooks throughout our work, especially the dreaded middle.
I always want to leave my readers thinking, "I've got to read more," or "I can't wait for the sequel."
Blessings,
Susan
and yes, i try to "hook" my reader every chance i get.