How to Write a Novel Opening that Hooks Readers

A strong opening hook is a great way to pull readers into the story and get them invested in your novel. In this video I discuss five different ways you could create a hook for your story.

This video is part of my Novel Boot Camp series. A new video will be posted every weekday in July.

The FULL SCHEDULE can be viewed here:

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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

- A hook is anything that gets the reader to want to keep reading.

- There are no rules for how to create an effective opening hook. If it works, it works!

- Most novels have more than one type of hook in the opening scene.

Five Types of Opening Hooks

1. The Setting - something about the location or time period is unique and captivating.

2. The Circumstance - something personal to your character is intriguing, such as a unique occupation, disability, or magical ability.

3. An Interesting Question - something about the opening scene raises a question and the reader wants to continue reading in order to learn the answer.

4. A Conflict that Demonstrates the Goal - a conflict that shows what the character is trying to achieve so that the reader is pulled in by wanting to see the outcome.

5. A Conflict that Demonstrates the Problem - a conflict that shows what problem the character is facing which hooks the reader on an emotional level.

[morningcoffee]

Ellen is a great example of someone who knows what they’re talking about and can confidently express it without the arrogance and abuse that indicates insecurity and random success. When she uses examples they illustrate the point and more importantly, the function of the device or structure. She doesn’t need camera mugging or an ostentatious list of hack titles, she has well thought content and experience. Very refreshing.

[augustinetan]

Hey Ellen! Could you do a video on the pros and cons of writing in first-person and third-person respectively in regards to how the reader experiences the story as well as how it is presented? Thanks!

[DretFosria]

What about starting with gibberish?
Smiggle wiggle da da figgle!
The reader will be captured wondering why you're writing in a bizarre language. They'll turn page after page to find out, but they won't be able to read a thing. As a bonus, it's an easy way to write a mystery novel.

[KyrieW]

This video just gave the idea for my opening sentence. Thanks!

[CKSage-writes]

I have watched many many videos on craft, and most are just words with no practical application. I learned more in the last hour of watching your videos than I did over the last year.

[stefert]

How to make a non-boring middle?? It's something I really struggle with.

[krishacz]

When Hiruho Tanaka woke up that day, she knew it was going to be big. She reformed and rehearsed her arguments countless times. She was confident that her persuasion would finally work out. That finally, after two hundred and seventy-four years, the gate of Vault 2112 would open.
----
This is the opening for my short four chapter story. It was originally written in czech and on about 4 pages for my high school finals last year, but I've decided to rewrite and extend it in English. We were given a basic, clichéd premise (earth overtaken by aliens, humans underground etc) but I think I'm doing a good job with it.

[dmotaafy]

hooking readers
variable depending on setting - plot - genre (representative for your novel)
1- interesting setting (unusual elements)
2- interesting circumstance of the chch (invisible man)
3- raise question in the reader (why is she poising the soap)
4- conflict regarding desire or goal
5- conflict demonstrating the chch problem

[MrDuncanBelfast]

"I awoke to discover that the entire city had been covered in a layer of man-eating jam."

[DRAWDAILYchannel]

Ellen seems the most masterful with the craft of storytelling and writing out of all writers on YouTube.

[AntonioKowatsch]

This video is extremely helpful. I always struggled with the opening hooks.
That's why I usually write books in reverse (from the end to the beginning).
Cheers

[danielvickery]

I admit I started watching your videos years ago because you're adorable, and I am so glad because your videos are just the best. Direct and to the point, complete, and clear. But most of all you are able to convey the rules of convention in a way that doesn't make this anti-conformist off. You have a great way of explaining the "rules" as if they are Tools rather than being requirements. You have changed my opinion on all the things I was resistant to. Thanks for that. You inspire and push me to work and improve.

[jamesmailapparambil]

thank you so much this helped me so much

[jmds]

An excellent video that well prepared and presented. I believe my opening hook is a combination of #4 and #5. I plan on watching all of your videos. Great job.

[Michformer]

I literally redid my opening scene/hook right after watching this video. Good Golly, what a difference a few tips can make.

[DrawingJustice]

Awesome topic.

If I may suggest a topic, writing with "good flow".

[alliesugar]

Thank you so much for this! I just love your videos. You are very articulate and I like your honesty in the Q&As. Cannot wait for more!

[onyyy]

I love how you get straight to the point, and no extra stuff xx

[austinfunk]

Last thing. You're a believable editor. I'm sure you're good at it. It's in the eyes.

[davidbridges]

Hi there 🙂
There are a lot of you tube videos out there giving advice on how to get going on novel writing. Thanks for being the best of lot Ellen. Your presentation is clean and informative. But mostly it's concise!!
No filth just effectively bringing the viewer the salient points and necessary insights.
Thanks again 👍🙂