Look at current events and trends. If there's a new technology that's causing a stir, like self - driving cars having some glitches. You can start a story with 'The self - driving cars were supposed to be the future, but when they started malfunctioning, chaos ensued. What led to these glitches? And who would be the ones to fix them?' This hooks readers who are interested in modern - day issues.
One way to find the best hooks for your story is to study other successful stories. Notice how they start. Are they starting with a shocking event? A lot of thriller stories start this way, like 'The first body was found in the most unexpected place.' You can also think about the mood you want to set. If it's a spooky story, you could start with a description that gives a sense of unease, such as 'The old house groaned in the wind, as if it was in pain.' Try different things and see which one grabs the attention the most. You can also ask for feedback from others. Maybe your first attempt at a hook doesn't seem that interesting to you, but someone else might see the potential in it.
Think about strong emotions. A story that begins with a character experiencing extreme joy, sadness, or fear can be very engaging. For instance, 'She sat on the floor, surrounded by shattered glass, sobbing uncontrollably. The once - beautiful vase lay in pieces, but it was more than just a broken object.' This shows a character in a very emotional state which will make the reader want to know why she's so distraught.
One way is to look at other successful stories. Notice how they start and what makes you interested right away. For example, in many detective stories, they start with a crime scene which is a very effective hook.
Use vivid descriptions. For example, 'The old house stood there, its windows like empty eyes staring into the abyss.' This paints a picture in the reader's mind and draws them in.
Brainstorm with others. Get together with friends or fellow writers and bounce ideas around. They might come up with hooks that you haven't thought of. For instance, someone might suggest a hook based on a dream they had, which could be turned into an interesting start for your novel.
To create good hooks about life story, you can focus on the most significant events in your life and present them in an unexpected way. For instance, if you had a career change, you could say 'I gave up my six - figure job to follow a dream that seemed crazy, and that's where my life story got interesting.' This shows a big decision and makes people curious about the dream. You can also use vivid descriptions of the starting point. 'I woke up on a cold, foggy morning, not knowing that this day would be the start of a new chapter in my life filled with challenges and growth.' The description sets the mood and hooks the reader. Additionally, using a cliffhanger can be effective. 'I was on the verge of making a decision that would either make or break my life, and that's where my story starts.'
One way to hook the reader in a friendship story is to start with a sacrifice. 'She gave up her dream job to stay with her friend who was going through a tough time.' This shows the depth of the friendship right away. Or you could start with a misunderstanding. 'They thought they knew each other so well, but one small misunderstanding threatened to end their friendship forever.' This makes the reader curious to see how they'll resolve it.
Highlight a moment of great disappointment. You could write 'He had waited all his life for this moment, but when it came, it was like a cold, bitter wind that blew away all his hopes.' This kind of hook makes the reader feel the character's pain and want to know more about the situation that led to such disappointment.
Read different kinds of books. Instead of your usual genre, pick up something completely new like a science - fiction novel if you usually read romance.
You can use a sense of the unknown. For instance, 'There was a place in the forest where no one dared to go. The trees grew so thick that light couldn't penetrate, and strange whispers seemed to come from within.' This makes the reader wonder what's in that place.