Every writer has their own approach to storytelling—and none of them are wrong. Let me explain.
A friend of mine writes the last sentence of a chapter first, then works backward, writing toward it. I shake my head every time I see him do it. Another friend just sits down and lets the words flow with no outline, no structure, no plan. I’ve tried that—and found myself completely lost.
As for me? I sketch out a brief chapter outline. I describe the scene and what happens, point by point, before I start writing. This helps me stay grounded in the direction of the story.
In the writing world, these three types have names:
- The one who writes the end first? That’s a Backer.
- The one who writes freely without a plan? That’s a Pantser.
- Me? I’m an Outliner.
Writing Styles: Find What Fits
Personally, I begin with a clear idea of the overall story arc. From there, I build chapter layouts ahead of time—much like this very article. I’m working from a layout right now. Will it look exactly like the draft when I’m done? Probably not, but it’s close.
The backer writes with an end in mind. The scene or sentence they start with might shift slightly as they get there, but it’s their compass. I respect it—even if it makes me shake my head.
My friend Melody is a pantser. She has a general idea and just writes, start to finish. No outline, no map. And it works for her. For me? That would drive me absolutely insane.
The point is simple: there’s no “right” way to write. Only what works for you.
So, What’s the Hook?
Now let’s talk about something every writer needs: the hook.
A hook is the part of your story that grabs the reader’s attention and refuses to let go. It might be a hint at a character’s internal conflict, an unexplained event, a mysterious memory from the past, or an emotionally charged moment. You can drop it in the first paragraph, or at the end of the first chapter—so long as it makes the reader want more.
Here’s an example from one of my own works:
I open my eyes and focus in time to see Bill’s fist coming at me. I don’t move. The impact is hard, but not as hard as it usually is when he hits me. My jaw loosens from the impact, and my head bounces off the locker behind me. Bill is the resident bully. He finds enjoyment from fighting kids he knows he can take.
“Leave me alone,” I whimper. Asshole. “Someone help—”
Another punch strikes my stomach, and I struggle to keep my lunch from making a second appearance. My legs almost give out, and my back slides across the lockers. I’m desperate and need to escape the beating. My legs wobble beneath me. I’m disoriented. I’ve become his favourite punching bag for some reason.
This is a hook.
It raises immediate questions:
- Who is this character?
- Why is he being beaten?
- What’s going to happen next?
The action pulls the reader in—and that’s exactly the point.
Never Let Up
Once you’ve hooked your reader, don’t let go. Keep the tension. Keep the intrigue. Keep the questions coming.
Why does this matter?
Because the first pages of your book are everything. They’re what readers skim on a bookstore shelf. They’re what ebook platforms show before someone buys. They are your one and only shot to convince someone to turn the page.
Without a hook, your book risks becoming just another title collecting dust.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a backer, a pantser, or an outliner—find the method that suits your brain and style. But no matter how you write, always remember the power of the hook.
Because in the end, that’s what keeps your story in the reader’s hands—and out of the bargain bin.