A discovery of a long - forgotten diary that contains dark secrets is a wonderful hook for a mystery story. As the reader, we want to know what those secrets are and how they will impact the story. It gives the story a sense of history and mystery that can draw the reader in.
A sudden scream in the dead of night can be a great hook. It creates an immediate sense of unease and mystery. The reader will be eager to find out who screamed and why.
A character receiving a warning from an unknown source is a good hook. It could be a phone call from a blocked number or an anonymous letter. This makes the reader wonder what the character has done to deserve such a warning and what danger they are in.
A character with a mysterious past is a great hook. For instance, a new neighbor moves in and has a tattoo on his wrist that seems to be a code or a symbol related to a long - forgotten crime. The other characters, and the readers, are then intrigued to find out who this person really is and what their past holds.
A hook could also be a character's internal conflict right from the start. 'He knew he had to tell the truth, but every fiber of his being resisted.' This gives the reader an insight into the character's struggle and makes them interested in seeing how the character will resolve this conflict within the short story.
An old photograph that seems to change on its own can be a very spooky hook. 'He found an old photo in the attic. It was a picture of his family from decades ago. But every time he looked at it, a new figure seemed to appear in the background, a figure with a menacing look in its eyes.'
A prophetic statement at the beginning can be a hook. Such as 'In three days, the world will end, but only one person can stop it.' It creates a sense of urgency and mystery.
An unusual object or symbol that keeps popping up can be a good hook too. Say, a strange amulet is found at every crime scene. This mystery surrounding the amulet will intrigue readers and make them eager to find out its significance in the story.
A missed flight leading to an encounter. One person misses their flight and is forced to stay at the airport overnight. They meet another traveler in a similar situation. They start chatting, share their travel stories, and there's an instant connection. This could be a great hook as it combines the adventure of travel with the potential for a new relationship.
Sure. For a mystery story, a hook could be 'The detective found a clue that would change everything, but he didn't know it yet.' For a love story, 'She saw him across the crowded room and in that instant, her heart stopped.' In a horror story, 'The old cemetery at midnight was a place no one should ever visit, but she had no choice.'
A strange object found in an unexpected place can be a great hook. For example, a golden key in a modern, high - tech office. It makes the reader wonder where it came from and what it unlocks.
Sure. 'I was born into a world of chaos, but it was that chaos that shaped my life into something extraordinary.' This hook sets up an interesting contrast between a chaotic start and an extraordinary outcome. It makes the reader eager to find out how the chaos influenced your life for the better.
Some good themes are the mystery of a shipwreck. There could be rumors of a valuable cargo on board or a dark secret that led to the ship's demise. Also, the mystery of a strange sound in an old house at night. Is it a ghost or something more earthly? And then there's the theme of a missing painting. It was a masterpiece, and now it's gone, and the search for it uncovers art theft rings and forgeries.