How to Write a Hook For Your Story

Summary

In this engaging video, Abbie Emmons introduces a 12-part series on the three-act story structure, focusing on crafting a compelling hook. She emphasizes the importance of internal conflict, defined as the protagonist's desire versus fear, as the key to relatable characters and a gripping narrative. Abbie debunks the myth that a hook is solely plot-driven, using Disney movies as examples of stories that excel at revealing internal conflict early on. She encourages writers to develop their characters' unique struggles before introducing plot elements, ensuring readers are invested in the story from the start.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video introduces a 12-part series on the three-act story structure, starting with the first beat of Act One: The Hook.
• 🎣 The Hook is essential for capturing a reader's attention and should be the first element in any story, regardless of medium.
• 🤔 The Hook is fundamentally about internal conflict, which is the character's desire juxtaposed against their fear.
• 🧠 Internal conflict is universal and makes characters relatable, as everyone experiences the struggle between desire and fear.
• 📝 The importance of the protagonist's internal conflict is emphasized, as it begins before the inciting incident and adds depth to the story.
• 🎭 The video suggests that while plot is important, it's the internal conflict that delivers the 'punch' in storytelling.
• 🎼 Disney movies are highlighted as examples of effective use of internal conflict, often revealed through songs that express a character's desires and fears.
• 🚫 The script advises against focusing on world-building too early, urging writers to prioritize character and plot relevance.
• 👀 It's crucial for the audience to understand why the inciting incident is significant to the protagonist, which is achieved through establishing internal conflict.
• 💡 The video encourages writers to use backstory and character profiles to clarify a character's desires, fears, and misbeliefs before plotting.
• 📈 The script provides a template for the three-act story structure and prompts for writers to consider their protagonist's desires and fears in crafting the Hook.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'WritersLife Wednesdays' series by Abbie Emmons?

The main focus of the 'WritersLife Wednesdays' series is to help authors make their stories matter and achieve their author dreams by breaking down each story beat of the three-act story structure.

How often will new installments of the series be posted by Abbie Emmons?

Abbie Emmons plans to post a new installment in the series pretty much every other week.

Why is the 'Hook' considered the first beat of Act One in the three-act story structure?

The 'Hook' is considered the first beat of Act One because it's the element designed to grab a reader's attention and pull them into the first few pages or chapters of the book.

What does Abbie Emmons suggest the 'Hook' of a story should be?

Abbie Emmons suggests that the 'Hook' should be the internal conflict, which is essentially the protagonist's desire versus their fear.

How does Abbie Emmons define 'Internal Conflict' in the context of story writing?

Abbie Emmons defines 'Internal Conflict' as the struggle between a character's desire and their fear, which is a fundamental part of the human condition and makes characters relatable.

What is the significance of understanding the protagonist's internal conflict according to Abbie Emmons?

Understanding the protagonist's internal conflict is significant because it allows readers to empathize with the character and understand why the events of the story matter to them on a personal level.

What does Abbie Emmons believe about the relationship between the plot and internal conflict in storytelling?

Abbie Emmons believes that while the plot is important, it is the internal conflict that provides the punch to the story, making the plot's events meaningful and impactful.

How does Abbie Emmons suggest using backstory in the beginning of a novel?

Abbie Emmons suggests that using backstory can be effective if it helps to quickly establish the protagonist's internal conflict and makes the reader understand why the events matter to the character.

What is the importance of showing the reader why an event is important to a character, as per Abbie Emmons?

Showing the reader why an event is important to a character is crucial for creating an emotional connection and making the story memorable and engaging.

What advice does Abbie Emmons give about world-building in the context of writing the hook?

Abbie Emmons advises to avoid world-building at the beginning of the story and only build the world when it matters to the characters, as readers care more about the characters and their struggles than the setting itself.

How does Abbie Emmons recommend using the three-act story structure template provided?

Abbie Emmons recommends using the three-act story structure template as a guide to follow along with the series, helping to ask the right questions and develop the story beats effectively.