Crafting the Perfect Hook: Starting a Fantasy Novel

Launching into the right foot of your fantasy novel is crucial, as it sets the stage for everything that follows. The opening scene is often referred to as the "hook," a piece of writing that entices the reader to dive deeper into the narrative. This article explores various strategies and examples to help writers create a compelling starting point for their fantasy stories.

What Constitutes a Good Hook?

A good hook is designed to grab the reader's attention and compel them to invest time in your masterpiece. It doesn't necessarily need to be a high-adrenaline moment, although such scenes can certainly captivate. It can be tense, humorous, or a heroic gesture. However, the core focus should be on revealing the protagonist's personality and their conflict.

Moment of Adrenaline vs. Humor

A heart-pounding sequence, such as the protagonist fleeing from a life-threatening chase, can provide immediate suspense and action. Alternatively, a light-hearted moment like being embarrassed under a wedding cake, tangled in a pet leash web, or having to save the family cat from a burning building can offer a laugh and establish the character's quirks and spirit. A heroic act like saving a family member or plunging into a river to save someone from harm can also serve as an engaging introduction.

Hero as the Central Focus

Regardless of the initial scene chosen, it is essential that it highlights the hero and their conflict. The reader should be left with a clear understanding of the protagonist's strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This will make the reader want to delve deeper into the story and care about the character's journey. Consider questions like: What are the hero's greatest strengths and desires? What are their weaknesses and regrets? Will the reader wish to follow this hero through their struggles?

Creating a Prologue

For those who prefer a more backstory approach, starting with a prologue set in the past can provide valuable context. Prologues can introduce events that happen before the main narrative, offering readers a glimpse into the hero's background and the causes of their present conflict. This technique can be especially effective in establishing a rich, layered world and character development. For instance, the prologue could describe a pivotal event that shaped the hero's destiny or reveal an earlier incarnation of the world that sets the stage for the main story.

Establishing Moment with Conflict

A starting scene should establish a clear and compelling conflict, often through an establishing moment for the hero. This can be as simple as a war beginning, an invasion reaching a town, or a significant battle. These moments can vary in scale, from a slow and gradual build to a more immediate and intense event. For example:

A war has started, and the hero has their first key moment seeing how society is changing from it. The hero, an apprentice, is pulled into taking up arms when invaders reach their town. The hero, with years of experience, leads his men to victory during a war's great push. The hero is tasked with discovering why a great battle was lost and brewing a secret that could revive the Resistance.

Choosing the Opening Scene Wisely

The opening scene doesn't need to be a flat-out "action" scene. High-adrenaline moments can limit the hero's choices and make their character less distinct. Instead, consider showing the character in a moment where they are in a more relaxed or reflective state, allowing the reader to understand the hero's true character before the dramatic events unfold. This approach lets the reader see the hero in a more nuanced light, making their journey more compelling.

Deciding on a Proverbial Explosion

My default opening is often "Two minutes before the explosion," which can be literal or personal. Deciding which event to use for the opening can greatly impact the tone and direction of the story. The key is to ensure that the chosen event sets the stage for the character's internal conflict and world around them.

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect hook for your fantasy novel requires a deep understanding of your protagonist and the conflict that drives their story. By focusing on the establishment of your hero's character and the conflict that drives the plot, you can create a captivating hook that entices readers to keep turning the pages. Whether through adrenaline, humor, or heroism, the goal is always to hook the reader and make them want to follow the protagonist on their journey.