Story Hook Jeopardy

December 7, 2008

I'm reading a novel right now that I think has a great hook. It's only so-so as a novel, primarily because the main character doesn't actually seem to be doing anything, the events are sort of happening to him, and there seems some bad coincidences. Still, I like the hook a lot, which is: semi-famous rock-and-roll journalist solves mysteries, usually on Caribbean islands.

I struggle with hooks, but reading this novel made me think about them.

So, here are some hooks, from books or TV shows and maybe movies. You tell me the titles, but remember, answer it as a question.

1. Romeo and Juliet, only Romeo is a vampire.

2. Sherlock Holmes, only Sherlock is a modern-day medical doctor.

3. Sherlock Holmes, only Sherlock is a forensic expert on the police force in Las Vegas (Miami, or New York, or in the Navy... ahem... four for the price of one).

4. A young boy struggles to deal with the world and the loss of his parents, when he discovers he is actually a famous wizard.

5. Sports agent solves mysteries. (series)

6. Detective solves crimes through extraordinary ability to interrogate suspects.

7. Half-Japanese assassin who makes all his kills look like death by natural causes.

8. Detective who is the Grand Chancellor for Emperor Justinian. (series)

9. Dyslexic boy discovers he is a demi-god, the son of Poseidon. (series)

10. Child psychologist who solves crimes by consulting with gay homicide detective.

Okay, give your your answers (ie., questions) and shoot me some more.

Cheers,

Mark Terry

Oh, and here are two from the children's novel my agent is marketing and the children's novel I'm working on now.

1. What if Indiana Jones had a 16-year-old daughter?

2. Young orphan sees monsters and is recruited to a school where he is trained to kill them or recruit them.