This phrase is used so metaphorically these days, we writers almost lose our grasp of its significance in our world!
And yet it is our world, our very breath of life.
As an editor my opinion is where we end our chapters is more important than where we begin; even though, of course, that initial first sentence is crucial too. The end, however, is what keeps the pages turning. Without that, we are lost.
So, fellow writers, take that book you’re working on and flip back through the ending of your chapters. Does it compel you to go on, to turn the pages in excited anticipation?
Another exercise that is very useful to authors of all genres, fiction and nonfiction, is to grab a book, published or unpublished, that you wrote some time ago. Perhaps even your first book? Look at the Chapter endings and the beginnings as well. I think you will be amazed at how far you have come as a writer. If not, then this is something you need to address.
Just some advice on the Tricks-of-the-Trade that aren’t tricks at all … just good writing practices for all levels of writers.
I am available through my blog and comments area for any questions on the fundamentals of writing, editing, formatting, and publishing advice.
Deborah A. Bowman, Clasid Consultants Publishing
BowmanAuthor and Writer/Editor 
Thanks, Deborah! This is some great advice! It’s so easy to just finish the chapter and move on to the next without realizing how important that “hook” is. Thanks for bringing us back to this!
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Thanks, Shawn. I am closing a chapter in my own life. I will never forget the love and cherished memories, but I must go on. When someone said to me, “end the chapter” it dawned on me how often that phrase is used for all transitions in life, thus getting away from the literal
meaning for authors. I teach as I edit (my free gift to my clints) and have recommended this concept of “pulling the reader through the book” with pace, flow, consistency, and anticipation for decades; “the hook,” as you called it. This seemed like a good time to share this easily forgotten, building principal in the fundamentals of writing as a Trick-of-the-Trade. Sometimes, the obvious gets overlooked by the author concentrating on the far-reaching elements of the plot/theme. How you get there is just as important as actually “getting there”.
Shawn, what principle of writing would you like to see addressed?
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Fantastic advice, sis, and so true. xxx
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Thank you, Adele. We wouldn’t want readers to leave Wisp and Finn and family alone to face Pendra’s perils. Lol š
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