Fallow_
New member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2026
- Messages
- 9
- Points
- 3
Hey,
I’ve been thinking a lot about story openings, especially how quickly a reader decides whether to continue or drop something.
With attention spans getting shorter, I want to focus specifically on hook strength, particularly in the first 5–6 lines, and then how the rest of the chapter maintains that interest.
If you’d like, drop your first chapter below and I’ll give honest, slightly critical feedback focused on:
I’ll mainly focus on hook effectiveness rather than grammar or line-level writing, this is more about reader engagement than polish.
If you have time, you’re also welcome to check out my first chapter and share your thoughts, but no pressure.
My First Chapter
Thought this might be useful for others working on their openings.
I’ve been thinking a lot about story openings, especially how quickly a reader decides whether to continue or drop something.
With attention spans getting shorter, I want to focus specifically on hook strength, particularly in the first 5–6 lines, and then how the rest of the chapter maintains that interest.
If you’d like, drop your first chapter below and I’ll give honest, slightly critical feedback focused on:
- How strong the initial hook is
- Where attention is gained or lost
- Whether the opening makes me want to keep reading
- Character
- Scene
- Theme
- Curiosity
- Question
- Promise
I’ll mainly focus on hook effectiveness rather than grammar or line-level writing, this is more about reader engagement than polish.
If you have time, you’re also welcome to check out my first chapter and share your thoughts, but no pressure.
My First Chapter
Thought this might be useful for others working on their openings.