Start Your Story With a Hook

Are you wondering how to begin one of your stories? Getting started is usually the hardest part of the story. Once you begin, it’s easy to keep going.

This week’s email will discuss the ability to begin a story with a “hook.” And when I say “hook” I mean an opening statement that attempts to get the readers attention.

First, I want to remind you that you are writing your personal history stories for family members, and you don’t have to be a good writer for your family members to read your stories. They just want to know about you – their family member – so they connect with you and understand you better. That being said, there are some things you can add to your stories to make them more interesting, and one of those is to add a “hook” to introduce a story. It doesn’t need to be long, and it should only include details that are necessary and relevant to your story.

Here are some examples that will give you some ideas for your own hooks:

• Have you ever wondered how you would survive if you found yourself alone in the wilderness? (Question)

• I could still hear the nagging voice that told me, “You’re going to regret this.” (Quote)

• My hands were sweaty. My teeth wouldn’t quit chattering. I was scared! (Feeling)

• Owning a dog can have a positive impact on your health, happiness and safety. (Statement)

• Creating family memories that last a lifetime is more about spending quality time together than it is about spending money. (Opinion)

• Spending time in different parts of the world can provide people with unique insights on cultural differences and a deep appreciation for ways of life other than their own. (Statement)

• Do jobs that require degrees really have better earning potential than skilled trades? (Question)

• Did you realize that women are two times more likely to experience clinical depression than men? (Statistic)

• This photo of _____ brought back memories because … (Background Info)

• Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse… (Exclamation)

If you are new to the idea of creating a hook, then hopefully the examples above will help you understand how one should look and that there are many formats you can use to write a hook.

One more thought…if you are having trouble coming up with your “hook,” you might write one quickly to get you started with your story and then go back after your story is written and edit your hook.

For more great tips on writing your personal history,

subscribe to my weekly emails at: https://bit.ly/2HuS7SN

and/or join my Private FB Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mystoryprompt