How To Keep A Reader Hooked From The Beginning To The End Of A Book

No one wants to read a boring book, especially if it starts off with something tedious like, "I woke up to my alarm clock going off." Us readers want something that'll grip us from start to finish, something that we won't forget even after we put the book down. We want to be taken on a journey full of twists and turns, one that'll tug at our emotions and make us second-guess what we thought we knew.

Fortunately, I have some tips that can help with just that(:

Start off with a FIRE first line.

The more unique the first line of a book is, the more likely a reader is to continue reading the story. The first chapter of a book is the MOST IMPORTANT chapter of the entire story. It sets the tone and typically introduces the main character, who the reader will either immediately fall in love with or hate. Personally, I'm more likely to get sucked into a story if the first sentence of a book already makes me question something.

The following sentences are a fabulous example of what I mean:

• Poison wasn't my weapon of choice, but it does get the job done.

• Wind howls throughout the night, sweeping up the sounds of death left in my wake.

• If it wasn't for my brother, the school currently wouldn't be on fire.

End chapters with a cliffhanger.

Cliffhangers capture attention. If you abruptly end a chapter on a note that leaves an issue unresolved, the reader's more likely to move on to the next chapter to get to the bottom of whatever's going on.

Introduce a mystery that'll get the reader's mind churning.

Everybody loves a shocking betrayal, am I right? What's even better about the betrayal is if you never saw it coming. Strategically place red herrings to deter a reader from thinking a certain way so when the mystery finally unravels, they're stunned. That'll make them more likely to become fans of your writing and scheming.

Insert a plot twist that the reader NEVER saw coming.

The more unheard of a plot twist is, the more shocked the reader will be. Don't stick with the cliché plot twists; try something unique! Build up to the grand reveal by writing little clues here and there, then give us the main character's thoughts once a twist is unveiled. Show us how it emotionally impacts them.

Include some type of action in every chapter.

Whether that be hand-to-hand combat, a straight up battle, a conversation that makes you question somebody's intentions, or something revelatory (like revealing someone's sister isn't actually their sister), write something that the reader will latch onto. Make it impossible for them to put the book down because they're so engaged with the current scene.

End the book with a line that'll keep the reader reeling.

It's bittersweet when a book you've absolutely loved ends in a cliffhanger. But guess what? That cliffhanger is what'll make the reader want to move on to the next book (if you're writing a series, that is).

I hope this advice helps take your book to the next level, and don't be afraid to write something that's never been written before!

XOXO,

Berlyn Hayes

Interested in reading my books? Check them out on Amazon!

HEIRS OF SECRETS - YA fantasy, BOOK 1

PRODIGY OF REVENGE - YA fantasy, BOOK 2