The first sentence. It’s arguably the most important one in the entire story. It has to hook the reader, reel them in, and make them want more. Doug Lemov’s ‘Show Call’ can be brilliant for this. Share some of the best opening lines from classic books and get the students to analyse them. What makes them so compelling? Is it a question? A shocking statement? A vivid description? Then, challenge them to write three different opening lines for their own story. It’s about teaching them that a great story doesn’t just start; it launches.
The Narrative Hook: Grabbing Your Reader by the Scruff of Their Neck
Published by
on
Antony West (Author) 
Leave a comment