8/26 Excerpt from "Word Soup: Easy Recipe to Pen! Publish! Profit!
Once you have your idea for a novel there are other considerations.
· THE OPENING (8/19)
· CHARACTER NAMES (8/19)
· FINDING THE HOOK (8/26)
· PLOT TWIST
· SUB-PLOTS
FINDING THE HOOK
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Discovering a captivating “hook” is an additional technique to engage a prospective reader. In the case of Citizen Kane, “Rosebud” served as the intriguing hook that piqued curiosity. As Kane uttered this single word, it established a captivating enigma, setting the stage for the story. Although it was a drama rather than a murder mystery, incorporating something that sparks intrigue at the outset of a narrative is essential.
Typically, in a murder mystery the “hook” is the identity of the killer. To ensure a mystery novel stands out, the writer needs to venture beyond conventional boundaries and engage his/her imaginative faculties to revolutionize the age-old wheel with an ingenious twist.
Maybe the “hook” is the detective, an individual with a unique personality such as the hard-boiled type like Sam Spade or the sophisticated type like Gay Lawrence, the Falcon. Let’s consider Miss Marple, the central character from Agatha Christie’s novels. Despite her age, she defies the conventional ideas of a detective by embodying a rare combination of sweetness and incredible cunning. The enchanting allure of a serene English village sets the stage for a captivating tale, where seemingly ordinary individuals inhabit the surroundings. Miss Marple is called to investigate a murder that has taken place, yet the focus of the story lies not solely on the crime, but rather on how Miss Marple cleverly unravels the clues.
Creating a captivating main character with a unique presence is essential, regardless of your preferred genre. By doing so, you can truly engage your readers and make your story compelling. This hero possesses the ability to drive your narrative and serves as an enticing “hook” that captivates readers, compelling them to keep coming back.