Comments on: How to Write an Opening Scene that Hooks Readers https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/ A Blog On Writing Sun, 12 Jan 2025 04:35:34 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 By: Fae Rowen https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141692 Sun, 14 Jul 2019 04:57:18 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141692 GOLD from Janice:" Once readers make an emotional investment in the story, they’ll stay to see how it turns out." I wish I could write that great first line, but I haven't yet. However, since my characters tend to be in crisis in the opening scene, I think I get the reader emotionally invested. Thank you, Janice. All three of your check points are on post its around my computer screen!

]]> By: Darnell Cureton https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141656 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:12:59 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141656 In reply to janicehardyauthor.

?

]]> By: janicehardyauthor https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141655 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:06:59 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141655 In reply to Ann G..

There's a reason that shows up on all the "Best First Lines" lists. Intriguing setup for that nonfiction. .

]]> By: janicehardyauthor https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141654 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:05:53 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141654 In reply to Darnell Cureton.

Absolutely! Short fiction needs that strong hook even faster. There's not enough time for wasted words. 🙂

]]> By: janicehardyauthor https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141653 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:04:41 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141653 In reply to Julie Glover.

Thanks so much!

]]> By: Ann G. https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141634 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 12:22:00 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141634 One opening I remember is from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." It had me hooked immediately. The book did not disappoint. Another great opening line from a just-published narrative non-fiction by Valentina Gal, called, "Philipovna: Daughter of Sorrow:" "I stayed away from other children. I preferred my own games of picking flowers and long processions that ended with me and the rag doll Mama made sitting on my parents' grave and talking to them." Oooo, who wouldn't want to keep reading?

]]> By: Darnell Cureton https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141631 Sun, 07 Jul 2019 18:14:17 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141631 Awesome advice! I will keep in mind as I write my short fiction. I'm sure it will help keep the readers attention with those as well. I liked the opening line of The Crow Road by Iain Banks - "It was the day my grandmother exploded." You MUST keep reading to find out what that is about!

]]> By: Julie Glover https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141630 Sun, 07 Jul 2019 01:41:25 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141630 What fantastic advice! (And a sharp reminder to me to scoot your novel up on my TBR list. It's on my tablet, so I have it at the ready!)

]]> By: janicehardyauthor https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141627 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 13:50:27 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141627 In reply to Jeanne Kern.

Great line. That would keep me reading.

]]> By: janicehardyauthor https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/how-to-write-an-opening-scene-that-hooks-readers/#comment-141626 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 13:49:55 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=37664#comment-141626 In reply to Kathleen.

Most welcome

]]>