A recent post on building suspense mentions ‘hooks’. That means writers need to set bait on a tantalizing tidbit, toss it out and snag the reader or the player’s attention.

A good hook is hard to resist. Before you know it, your rod bends and you’ve got a live one! But how do you know which bait to use? Where are the best fishing spots, and how do you get the big ones to bite?

Writing hooks into your posts or novels requires as much patience and finesse as fishing. You have to know your characters and your audience. You have to think two or three steps ahead of them and the story you’re writing as well. You have to be patient and know exactly how much to give out and how much to keep – and what to throw away.

In fact, it’s a lot like writing transitions. The hook is no different. It’s a transition within a transition, a flick of the wrist that sets the lure into the water.

The Element of Surprise

One of the strongest hooks you can use is the element of surprise. The tone of the scene might be somber or quiet, but at the end of it, you deliver a twist so unexpected it makes readers want to see what happens next – and read your next post.

Here’s an example. Two characters are climbing cliffs near their home. The afternoon is wearing on, and it’s time to start back down. One character starts towards the left side of the shelf. He glances back at the other, and jumps.

Makes you want to know what happens next, doesn’t it? It’s a tense moment that makes you want to write your character rushing over in a panic.

Using Inner Conflict Externally

Writers often use internal dialog or thoughts to express inner conflict their character suffers. A lot of thoughts float around, and it’s an interesting read.

Too often, though, internal thoughts are overused. What good is inner conflict if other characters can’t notice that it’s happening? There are no external clues to demonstrate the character’s feelings are torn or that he feels conflicted.

Show that inner conflict externally. Think about what could be said aloud. If nothing can be said aloud, what body language could you express to other characters? For example, a character that says, “Yes,” while everything about his behavior indicates no is great material for others to hook onto. It gives a powerful indicator that all is not as it seems.

Answer The Question, Please

Ending a scene or a post with a question is a great hook. Someone has to answer, and if they don’t, they need to show their reasons.

Maybe the character has a strong aversion to giving a direct answer. He’ll pace the floor, avoid eye contact, and possibly try to redirect the question back at the asking character. Maybe the opposite occurs, and a heartfelt or panicked explanation pours out.

Anything can happen from a single question. Sometimes even the silent questions left hanging in the air are hardest for readers to resist.

Making A Bold Move

Physical actions can be just as powerful as hooks. A slamming door, a broken dish, a phone ringing at just the right (or wrong) moment adds impact and drama.

Here’s an example: A shape shifter is eating a meal with another character. They’re sharing secrets, and then one reveals too much. The other becomes afraid, wanting to bolt.

To an animal – or a shape shifter – the physical reactions of the fear cause a primal, instinctual reaction. The shape shifter explodes in a fight-for-dominance attack.

Whoa! Where’d that come from? If you’re not on the edge of your seat, you should be.

No Guts, No Glory

You can use emotions as hooks. Reach in and grab right for the guts, or take a character’s or reader’s heartstrings and give a good tug.

Will other characters react out of pity? How about sympathy? Will they become angry and retaliate? Will they melt into a puddle of warm fuzzies? Whatever they do, you can bet the player is exclaiming, “Man, this is too good. I have to answer!”.

The next thing you know, it’s a rush of posting frenzy, with both players tossing out hooks like there’s no tomorrow.

Hooks come in many different shapes and sizes. Use them within each post, throughout the scene, and look for them in the overall arch of the storyline. Hooks are everywhere, even in places the Storytellers or players never intended them to be.

And those are the best hooks of all.