good hooks for story

Starting with a character in a dangerous or exciting situation is also great. Say, a hiker lost in a dense forest at night, hearing strange noises. This hooks the reader as they want to know if the hiker will survive and what is making those noises.

An unexpected event at the very beginning is also a good hook. Such as a character suddenly finding themselves in a completely different world without any prior warning. This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder how the character got there and what will happen next.

Beginning with a thought - provoking question can also be a good hook. Such as 'What if you woke up one day and found out that the world you knew was just a simulation?' It forces the reader to start thinking about this wild concept and draws them into the story to find out if there's an answer or exploration of this question within the narrative.

A mystery or a riddle can be a great hook. For example, starting a story with 'The door was ajar, and a strange sound was coming from inside. What could it be?' It immediately makes the reader curious. Another one could be a shocking statement like 'She woke up to find herself in a world where time had stopped.' This kind of hook grabs the reader's attention right away.

A mysterious letter arriving at the protagonist's doorstep can be a great hook. It immediately raises questions and draws the reader in.

A strong character in a strange situation can be a great hook. For example, a detective who has a phobia of the dark but has to solve a murder that always occurs at night. It immediately grabs the reader's attention as they wonder how the character will overcome their fear to do their job.

A strange object found in an unexpected place can be a great hook. For example, a golden key in a modern, high - tech office. It makes the reader wonder where it came from and what it unlocks.

Beginning with a Christmas elf who is running late for the big Christmas preparations is a good hook. Everyone knows elves are crucial for Christmas, and the idea of one being late adds an element of chaos and interest. The reader will be curious to find out if the elf can make it in time and what problems might arise because of the delay.

Beginning with a description of a reindeer that has lost its way on Christmas Eve can be a great hook. It sets an unexpected and somewhat concerning tone that draws the reader in. The idea of a lost reindeer during such an important night for Santa and his team creates a sense of mystery and urgency.

The sudden appearance of an old-fashioned sleigh in a modern neighborhood. Maybe it's Santa's sleigh that has some sort of trouble, and the local kids get involved in helping.