Do you remember?

I used to be terrified of writing.

Until I attended the Great Books Writer's Workshop, and I found out that writing a good essay is just like writing a good song: tell a good story.

I learned many things about what makes a good story during the Great Book Writer's Workshop. For example, I learned that a good story encourages thought. A good story has a point, a main theme; a purpose. A good story has a foundation to stand upon, because without a good foundation, even the most beautiful words will fall apart. But my favorite thing that I learned at the Workshop was that a good story will have a hook, that little bit of interest that captures your readers' attention and makes them want to hear more or read on. I can relate to the idea of the hook, because I love to write songs, and without a "hook" in my lyrics the song will not compel my listeners to hear more.

What makes a hook compelling? I believe it's a combination of information and mystery. Enough information to give you an idea of what to expect and enough mystery to prepare you to be surprised. "I Took a Pill in Ibeza." Okay, but why? What events led you to that decision and what happened after? "Do you remember, the twenty-first night of September?" No, tell me about it! Do these sound like good essay titles? (I apparently thought so. 😳)

A good hook must also make your entire story, song or essay, memorable. A friend once told me that a certain lyrical hook in a song was absolutely appalling, so infantile in its construction, that it made him want to vomit. Of course, he remembered exactly what the hook was and what the song was about. And I don't think he will forget it for a long while (sadly for him). Although it made him sick, he remembered it, and there the hook was effective. I feel that memorability is the most important factor to determine the quality of a hook. If it's not memorable, then there's no point.

So do your readers a favor (I will try my best too!), tell them a good story, and let them know it will be worth the read by starting with a good hook.

Have fun!

AJ