How to keep readers hooked
Happy Writing Advice Wednesday,
Here are 3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to explore this week...
3 Ideas From Me
I.
"Want your readers to always be engaged? Then make sure there’s always a question they want answered. Or, even better – multiple questions." <- Click here to tweet this.
II.
"Conflict is the lifeblood of stories. Always look for chances to increase conflict. If your character must navigate an ancient tomb riddled with traps, chase her with an army. If your character must win a sports match to stay in the competition, make them need to win to save their marriage as well."
III.
"Effective first chapters are often a miniature version of your complete story. What makes your story entertaining, unique, and moving? Give readers a sample in chapter one. For example: a gritty thriller that starts with a strange murder. Or a glitzy romance that begins with a disastrous date. These miniature openings show readers what to expect. As opposed to a thriller starting with a date, or a romance starting with a murder; these openings would confuse your readers."
2 Quotes From Others
I.
"[Great creative minds] think like artists but work like accountants." - David Brooks.
II.
"A writer’s job is to do whatever is necessary to make the reader want to read the next line. Don’t think about money, don’t think about success; concentrate on the story – don’t waste your energy on anything else." – Frank Herbert.
1 Question For You
Why will your book be even more enjoyable on the second read?
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I'll see you next week,
Jed Herne