The 25 word hook challenge

Posted by Darkhound on October 21, 2008 at 3:34PM

This is an idea shamelessly stolen from several other forums.

While it's true that the hook is not the story, those first sentences of your or another's story are tremendously important. While a great opening never guarantees enduring quality, I tend to find my interest picqued by something that starts with a stylish flourish or a punch straight between the eyes.

So here's the challenge. Write an opening hook in no more than 25 words (I've found it tough to be so concise, but I think it's good practise). You can post
as many as you like, and feel free to comment on the efforts of others.

Here's a few of my efforts:

Winking and gurning as the wild crowd cheered, I wanted to give a wave; but my body was busy sliding slowly from the guillotine's blade.

We rush-hour sharks, blank-eyed and predatory, sharp elbows instead of teeth, floundering against treacle tides. It is not blood we scent, but coffee.

A city awoke to find outside their walls, a single madman demanding their immediate surrender. They laughed through breakfast. By noon they were all dead.

Follow Ups:

• Re: The 25 word hook challenge Ruth 2:49AM 10/30/08 (0)
• Another Darkhound 1:04PM 10/26/08 (0)
• Nice idea! Let's see what I can do... Dreadagorn 1:18AM 10/26/08 (0)
• Ok, that's intimidating but here're mine. JessieBair 3:58PM 10/21/08 (1)
  • *lol*....nt Ruth 9:23PM 10/22/08 (0)

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