Method to Memoir
Hooked. Craft a Captivating Opening for Your Memoir Essay
Learn how to capture your readers with your first paragraph.
Hook the reader’s attention with the first paragraph of your book or essay.
Imagine yourself hitting ‘play’ on Netflix. How long do you watch an unfamiliar show? 30 seconds? Five minutes?
It’s the same with readers. The first sentences must convince the reader to invest their time in our story. Or even better — grab their attention so tightly that they never think of looking away.
Understand the Hook
Put simply, a hook is a unique, strange, or compelling paragraph that begins your personal story. The opening sets the scene and makes the reader want to know more.
Today, we’ll review how a great kickoff creates curiosity and interest. And even better, I’ll give you some ideas on how to find the hook in your story.
These first lines must hint at a theme created by internal or external conflict and the protagonist's desire. Think of conflict as the struggle between what the protagonist (you, in a memoir) desires and the things that stand in the way.
