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 Guest Valerie Bowman: Writing to HooksPosted by Anne Barton Oct 11 2012, 12:00 am in craft, hooks, valerie bowman Hello Rubies and Friends,
I thought long and hard about what I could offer the Rubies. I discarded a variety of craft topics that I decided were too elementary for such an esteemed group of writers. I settled upon a technique that I think made all the difference in taking my manuscript from good to SOLD. That technique is writing TO hooks. I did not invent this concept and I wish I could remember where I read or heard about it, so that I might give due credit, but alas, I cannot. The concept itself, however, was something that really stuck with me, and in case some of you haven’t heard of it yet, I’d like to share it with you. As writers we’re all told to end our chapters on hooks. Hooks, of course, being something that leaves the reader wanting more, hopefully unable to put the book down and moving on to the next chapter because she just can’t wait to see what happens next. So, we all know we must end with a hook but what about writing TO a hook? In other words, create a hook and make your chapter shorter on purpose to get there faster. Consider it this way, instead of writing and writing and at the end of 20 pages (or however long your chapters are), you start thinking of how you’re going to wrap it up to hook the reader, come up with the hook first and get to it faster. More hooks, more often = more pages turning. I recently had the pleasure of attending a workshop given by RWA Nora Roberts’ Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Brenda Jackson. Ms. Jackson likened the hook to how soap operas always end on Friday with something that makes you anxiously wait all weekend to see how it turns out. Exactly! This technique, adding more hooks, writing to hooks, greatly increased my pacing and (I think) keeps the pages of my books turning. The more I write, the better (I think) I’m becoming at this and now my chapters are about 5 pages long (yes, some are longer if the scene/mood/moment calls for it, but when I plot out my chapters before I begin (ok, so I’m a plotter) I give myself 5-8 pages per chapter and the closer I am to 5, the happier I am. Why? Because at the end of five pages, there is a hook! And a hook means pages turn, turn, turn. I think it also provides the added benefit of providing more conflict because a hook usually involves conflict of some sort, does it not? Ok, so in theory this sounds good, no? But how do you come up with that many hooks? Well, for this I must give all credit to author Joan Johnston and her workshop Writing the Unputdownable Novel. I’ve listened to it multiple times on the RWA conference CDs and I highly recommend it. She provides a list of eight types of hooks and explains how to employ them. In addition to the RWA National Conference CDs, I believe Ms. Johnston also offers the workshop for sale online for $3.99. Google it. I highly recommend it. So, if you don’t already naturally do this, I challenge you. Think about how you can add more hooks to your manuscript. How can you write TO hooks? It just may be that little added umph that puts your story over the top. What do you think about this concept? Does it sound like something that could work for you? Valerie will be giving away a an autographed copy of Secrets of a Wedding Night and a 10-page critique from her agent, Kevan Lyon, for the another lucky winner! Valerie Bowman writes Regency-set historical romance novels with a focus on sharp dialogue, engaging storylines, and heroines who take matters into their own hands! Publishers Weekly calls Secrets of a Wedding Night, an “enchanting, engaging debut that will have readers seeking future installments” and Romantic Times Book Reviews says, “This fast-paced, charming debut, sparkling with witty dialogue and engaging characters, marks Bowman for stardom.” Booklist gave it a starred review! Valerie lives in Jacksonville, FL with her rascally dog, Roo. You can find Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and on Facebook and Twitter. Buy Links for Secrets of a Wedding Night: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books a Million
10/15/12 Update: Thank you to everyone who stopped by and commented! Greta and T Ferrera each won a copy of SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT. Barbara Bettis won the critique from Kevan Lyon. (Look for an email from Valerie or Anne soon.) Congrats!!! 81 Responses to “Guest Valerie Bowman: Writing to Hooks”Leave a Reply |
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Hello from one VB to another VB! Super congrats on the release of Secrets of a Wedding Night, Valerie! I bought it last weekend and can’t wait to put my feet up and enjoy it.
I am totally hooked on this idea of writing more hooks. It makes so much sense to me. My chapters run to about eight to 10 pages and I *try* to end each scene on a hook. I’m off to take up the challenge of writing shorter chapters.
Hi VB! So glad you like the post. One writer who employs this technique SO well is KC Klein in her debut from Avon, Dark Future. I could NOT put that book down!
I really hope you enjoy Secrets of a Wedding Night!
This is such a great post, Val. I read an article recently (can’t remember where!) about how now, in the digital age, it’s more important than ever to hook readers with fast pacing and compelling plots. Love these tips!
Thanks for being with the Rubies today!
So glad you like the post, Anne! Thank you so much for hostessing me today!
Now I know why once I start reading a book I can’t put it down… I’m hooked. Love it.
Yes, you are! Thanks for stopping by, Cathy.
Great post, Valerie! I don’t think I do this by chapter, but by scene. My scenes are all between 5-8 pages. So, maybe I do this more than I realize. (I hope?) LOL!!
I am going to look up the online class you reference. It sounds like a winner. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Marnee,
I really should have said end your chapter OR YOUR SCENE with a hook. I tend to go ahead and do a chapter break but that’s just my personal preference. Many ways to make this work!
I recently learned to use hooks at the end of each scene. It is absolutely helping the pacing.
Hi Ella,
It makes a big difference. To me, the most important part is adding more hooks (whether or do that with scene breaks or actually chapter breaks). More hooks = faster pacing.
I’m like Marnee. I do this scene by scene, I think. I know my chapters are longer than five pages, certainly! But I always, always try to end a scene on a hook.
Hi Ash! Since I’ve read your debut I know you do a great job at this.
For me, the lesson was trying to add MORE hooks instead of just ending on a hook. Sometimes easier said than done, I admit.
Welcome Valerie and congrats on the new release. Love the cover.
This is interesting thinking. I really never have aproblem coming up with a hook, but yes, sometimes something more has to happen. I never thought of writing the hook first to get the story tighter. I’ll give it a try this weekend. Thanks!
Good luck, Autumn! Let me know how it goes.
Hi Valerie! I am giving you a big hook HIGH FIVE here… When I was starting to write the second book I ever wrote (because #1 was a bust), I remember taking a workshop offered by Dianna Love and Mary Buckham and it was all about hooks. We practiced what they were. How to recognize them in other people’s writing. How to craft them in ours.
And it was like a light bulb went on for me. Not one of those crappy little 40W bulbs, but a big, bright halogen bulb that will blind you as soon as anything. And I discovered that not only are hooks essential, they really aren’t even that HARD. Most writers naturally gravitate toward hooks of some sort… The trick is figuring out how to position them so they end a chapter or scene and the reader is absolutely so stuck they can’t NOT read on.
Congrats on the new release – I hope it is flying off the shelves for you!
Hi McQ, Thanks for stopping by! The Dianna Love/Mary Buckham workshop sounds like another great resource for this technique. I’ll have to look into it!
Congratulations on your shiny new release, Valerie! I’ve never given much thought to writing from hook to hook, but it sounds like it would really pull the book forward. May have to think about that as I’m tackling these revisions today… Thanks!
Hi Vivi (I LOVE your name btw),
It made a big difference in my writing. I can honestly say that.
Valerie,
Congratulations on your release. All three of your stories sound terrific. (I snuck over to your website.).
Love to idea of writing to hooks and I will definitely Google the workshop you mention. Can you give an example of one of the eight kinds of hooks?
Wish i could attend your workshop in ME. i need a business plan to organize me!
Good luck with it all. Enjoy it. KB
Hi Kelley,
Thanks for stopping by here and my website. I really appreciate it. I didn’t want to list the hooks here because it’s Joan’s information, not mine, but one of them was “reveal a secret.” It’s things like that. I highly recommend the course. Well worth the $3.99.(DISCLAIMER: No. I don’t get any kickback from her sales. Ha! I’ve never even met her.)
Thx, Valerie-makes sense. I tried unsuccessfully to find Joan’s course online. (just a quick Google search) but I’ll have to dig deeper b/c I love the ideas as you’ve stated them. Sounds like a great course.
Many sales of SOAWM! I plan to be among them. KB
Hi Kelley,
Here’s the link: http://vwtapes.com/writingtheunputdownablenovelcd.aspx
Valerie,
Thank you!,
Thanks for a very informative article. I will definitely pursue your suggested resources. As an emerging writer I am struggling with the breakdown of chapters so the concept of hook to hook just might be the help I need.
Congrats on the new book. I hope to read it soon.
Hi Diane,
Best of luck to you! Of course you need to keep the continuity of your plot and story together. Some hooks could really wing the story off into a place you don’t intend it to go…especially if you’re a pantser, but as long as you’re revealing hooks that are in line with your plot, I think it’s a fabulous technique. And it might just take you in a fun new direction actually!
I love this post. Hooks are often brought up, but often with little real advice on how to use them well. I’ve not run across Johnston’s lecture before. Off to find her!
Glad you enjoyed the post, Julia. Thanks!
I do something similar, however, my chapters are still 15 pages long. I simply put a hook at the end of every scene or change in POV, which is usually between 4-6 pages.
Hi Laurie,
You’re absolutely right. The same technique can be applied at scene breaks with the same effect. I just happen to LOVE a chapter break. I don’t know why! : )
I had to give up the “Each Chapter Must Be 12 Pages Long” thing in order to get the hooks right. It’s great to free yourself from the rules and just right something that keeps the reader/story moving forward.
Sometimes I write 3-page chapters–and generally that means I’m being too lean. But I don’t angst anymore over widely-varying chapter lengths. “Writing to the hook” is a good way to say it; thanks for giving us that phrase.
p.s. Kevan reps me too; she was just named as one of the most successful YA agents by PubMarketplace; yay for us!
Hi Elizabeth,
Yes! I’ve heard often enough that chapters need to be at least 10 pages long. Who says?
And Kevan is fabulous!
Thanks for the great advice, Valerie. I definitely try to end each scene on a hook, but I’d never thought about figuring out the hook before I start the scene–makes a lot of sense. Can’t wait to read SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT!
Hi Shoshana, I think the ability to plan ahead this way may depend on how much of a plotter you are but if you can at least always be thinking as you’re writing…what’s the hook and when can I use it? it’ll at least get you thinking about upping the tension and that’s always a good thing for page-turning, imo.
I love this post – thanks for bringing it to us. I’ve found recently my chapters have grown longer because my books have grown longer. For some reason, I didn’t add chapters – I expanded them. I usually have 2-3 scenes per chapter with 2-3 POV changes. So instead of short chapters – is it acceptable to have 2-3 scene changes each ending on hooks? Seems like that would work as well…other than the mind trick on the reader who loves breezing through chapters that quickly.
Appreciate your being her and I can’t wait to check out the book
And it’s really generous of your agent to toss in a 10 page critique 
Hi Liz,
Absolutely! Scene breaks will work just as well. I love a chapter break but that’s just personal preference.
Hi Valerie!
I just finished my contest judging duties for my chapter and found so many entries that ended without a hook. It took me a few years to understand the concept, but I love the idea of writing towards the hook – keeping the end in mind not just for the entire book, but each chapter.
Good luck with Secrets!
Lynn
Hi Lynn, Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Valerie,
This is great advice, and I am definitely going to apply it. I love learning new ways to look at how to do things. Thanks!!
Maura
Glad you like it, Maura! Thanks
I’ve had the good fortune of hearing Donald Maass speak on several occasions and one of his suggestions for making scenes work harder is to begin them with a clear goal (on the character’s part, not the writer’s part) and come up with a good ending hook before you start writing the scene–so that you’re writing to set up that ending line/event. The hook should leave the reader uncertain what might happen next and dying to read on. This sounds a lot like your process, Valerie.
Best of luck with Secrets. Writing chapters that short would certainly take discipline!
I love Donald Maas’ Writing the Breakout Novel, Kate. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Valerie.
Great post. I’m about 2/3 finished with SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT and yup, you do know how to hook those chapter endings!
Oh, thank you so much, Kathleen. I take that as a compliment. ; )
Wonderfully informative post, Valerie. I’d never thought of incorporating hooks in quite this way, and new ways of looking at the writing process help make it better and fresher IMO.
Best of luck with Secrets of a Wedding Night. I’ve already started reading it, but I will be specifically looking for how you wrote “to your hooks” as I finish it.
I’m great at creating hooky concepts, yet struggled with writing actual hooks in my manuscript until I read a post on Edittorrent on the purpose of an opening sentence (the story promise). Then I stumbled across some advice about how to craft an opening sentence and a closing sentence for scenes (hook and yet another hook!). It was like a disco ball lowering from the ceiling, and now I scrutinize every opening and closing sentence to make sure I’m sinking my claws into a reader to entice them to stay up all night reading my books.
Love it, Evangeline!
Valerie, I love this post!! I always try to end with a hook, but looking back over my WIP, I see that what I thought might be drama (dum..dum..duummm)–might not be the “hook” I need. Thanks!
BTW, I already have your fantastic book–but please, do, toss my name in the drawing for the critique from your wonderful agent.
Hi Barbara, So glad you enjoyed the post. Hope you enjoy the book as well!
Hi, Valerie.
Thanks for the post! Lots of good info there and in the comments above. I recall reading a great interview with Joan Johnston … she said that learning how to make readers care about her characters was key to her success.
Your book cover is beautiful, btw.
Greta
(pls put my name in the hat for the drawing)
Hi Greta,
Joan is a really savvy author. I personally think character, emotion, and hooks are the three most important things in a romance novel.
Valerie,
I almost missed the word “to” when I first read your post (as in “write TO the hook”). But that one little word makes all the difference, and it’s given me a new way to think about building my chapters. Thanks!
Oh, I’m so glad you found it helpful, Wendy. Thank you for commenting.
So to be successful, I need to be a good hooker. I can’t say that anyone has ever given me that advice before:) This will help me tighten structure the chapters in my WIP. Off to go hooking!
Too funny, Delia! I actually snorted on that one.
Ha! Enjoy being a hooker, Delia!
Great post, Valerie. This got me thinking about how important hooks are and how they really keep readers turning pages. I like the idea of shorter chapters, like you!
Hi Linda, Thanks for stopping by!
Valerie, congrats on your release! I have your book sitting on my dresser and I’m looking forward to reading it!
I love the idea of writing TO hooks. I always try to naturally slip in a hook at the end of the scene, but I’ve never really thought about planning those hooks in advance. What a great idea!
It’s kind of fun once you start being conscious of it, Cynthia. Enjoy!
And thank you so much for buying the book, Cynthia. I really really appreciate it more than you know.
Valerie, that is excellent advice!! I already try to end all my chapters on hooks, but your method seems like good sense and a great idea that’s been waiting for me to catch up
. I think that it’s a little like planning what your chapter titles might be, just in reverse. Anyway, thank you for all of the useful information and congratulations on the debut of your fabulous book.
Thank you so much, Pamala!
Fantastic post, Valerie. Like so many others, I do try to end my chapters with a hook too.
May you have many many sales!
Thank you, Selena!
So good to have you here, Valerie! Writing to hooks sounds like a great plan—for someone who plans. That ain’t me, but even so, I often know where I’m going, so it’s not impossible, and it sounds like fun.
It *is* kinda fun, Gwen. ; ) Thanks!
*Gwyn (so sorry!)
Interesting post, Valerie!
I’ll admit I’ve almost totally been ignoring hooks. Yes, I try to go for the one-line zinger at the end of each chapter, but I haven’t been thinking about it in terms of building *to* it, or (frankly) in terms of making the reader go, “oh, I have to turn the page now!” (although now that I think of it, I’m thinking, ‘well, of course!’)
Thanks for the tip on Johnston’s CD’s…I’ll have to check my RWA CDs for her workshops!
Thanks, Elise!
I’m reading The Crown of Embers by Rae Carson right now, and when I finished this post I thought “Yes! That’s it!” Every page is turner, and she’s hooking me right and left. Can’t wait to pick up Secrets of a Wedding Night for another fast read! Thanks for sharing such great advice.
The Crown of Embers sounds like a good book, L.H. Thanks!
Valerie,
What a great craft tip. I always notice when someone does a hook well (and I can’t help turning the page) but the idea that you know at the beginning of writing the scene/chapter gives some focus to how you will build up to the right setting for that hook!
Congratulations on your debut! I’ve seen it in the stores and thought, “Oh, I should check her out.” Now I definitely will!
Thanks so much!
I do try to work my way up to hooks, but I don’t break up my story into chapters until I’m done with it. I think it makes it easier to read through the story (on the first editing pass), point to a scene and say, “Stop! Chapter break!” (Try not to hear MC Hammer when you read that back again.)
I’ve heard a chapter break should end at a point where the reader says, “I’ll just read to the end of the chapter”, and then propel her into the next chapter because she just can’t bear to stop reading.
I’m *loving* SoaWN!! Can I have Jordan in the next book? Not the heroine; ME!
Carla, I think my OCD head just exploded! I can’t imagine not putting in the chapter breaks until the editing phase. : ) But hey, if it works for you, go with it.
And you and I may have to arm wrestle over Jordan. Ha! He’s my fictional boyfriend. : )
That sounds like good advice.
Thanks for stopping by.
I just wanted to say thanks to Anne and the rest of the Rubies for having me today! I had a blast.
It was wonderful to have you, Valerie!
And I have an extra copy of SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT to give away. So there will be 2 winners of Valerie’s fabulous debut book!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by. We will post winners soon!
Just got the news that I won “Secrets of a Wedding Night”! I can hardly wait to sit down and dig in.