Scene transitions - opening hooks

Start each scene/chapter with a hook sentence. You can also have a hook paragraph if the paragraph isn’t too long.

This is not just for the opening sentence of a book—use this technique for the opening of every scene.

Something mysterious, curious, dangerous, ominous. Grab the reader’s attention from the get-go.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“Saints above, girl. What are you doing here?” the shackled man hissed. A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist

It was not the rock—it was never the rock; it was the air. In High Places by Tom Morrisey

A dead man spoke to her from the shadows. The Dead Whisper On by T.L. Hines

It was raining the night he found me. Demon: a Memoir by Tosca Lee

“Move and you’re dead.” Buried Secrets by Margaret Daley

Rule for Women Ministers No. 1: Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain on church premises—especially on the Monday morning after Easter. Earth to Betsy by Beth Pattillo

Eat and leave. That’s all she had to do. If Grandma didn’t kill her first for being late. Sushi for One? by Yours Truly

Sometimes, this technique will also help you to add more tension and conflict in your scene. More tension and conflict is ALWAYS GOOD.

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