But first things first, let’s figure out what this subgenre is all about.

What is Utopian Fiction?

This is a subgenre of literature that explores and envisions idealized societies or futures. It shows us a narrative that describes, often in a speculative or imaginative way, a perfect or near-perfect world. If you have been wondering how this term was derived, it is from the literary work Utopia by Thomas More. The author and statesman is credited with popularizing the genre in the early 16th century.

Elements of Utopian Fiction

If you are wondering why including certain elements of a subgenre is important for your work, do not forget to check out my previous column. Let’s talk about the top 6 elements you must utilize in your Utopian Fiction to make readers instantly connect with your tale.

Ideal Society

The most recognizable aspect of this subgenre is the presentation of an idealized vision of a perfect society or community. This society is where problems such as poverty, inequality, and conflict have been eliminated or greatly reduced. 

Social Harmony

The emphasis is on harmony and cooperation among their members of the society. What is leading to peace and stability in the ideal society is often a strong sense of unity, shared values, and mutual respect.

Critique of Contemporary Society

Another prominent element you would find is it frequently critiques the flaws and shortcomings of contemporary society. It is not uncommon for the narrative to be a driving force for social and political commentary, highlighting the problems and injustices of the real world.

Emphasis on Nature and Environment

This might not be a common practice, but some tales in this subgenre show a strong connection to nature and ecological principles. These societies often live in harmony with their environment, promoting sustainability.

Equality and Prosperity

Utopian societies are synonymous to abundance and prosperity. Resources are available in plenty and efficiently distributed. There is no space for scarcity or deprivation. As a result, Utopian societies typically prioritize equality and social justice. Any forms of discrimination are often eradicated, and individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities.

Utopian Dystopia

There can be a turning point in your story that is darker and explores the potential pitfalls and unintended consequences of the ideal society, evolving into a dystopian narrative. This highlights the fragility and complexities of utopian ideals.

Utopian Fiction has been our final destination, and I hope it has enriched your understanding of this intriguing subgenre in speculative fiction. Do you think I missed any key elements of Utopian narrative? Let me know in the comments. As we wrap up our journey on Wordly Wise, I want to thank you all for being here, it was one filled with a wonderful literary journey. Remember, I am rooting for you to take your story idea to the finish line, always. 

Lots of love!

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what next to write. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

The post Speculating for a Better Future: Allure of Utopian Worlds appeared first on DIY MFA.

But first things first, let’s figure out what this subgenre is all about.

What is Dystopian Fiction?

Dystopian fiction is a subgenre of speculative fiction that explores imagined worlds where society is characterized by oppression, suffering, and often a bleak or nightmarish future. These narratives are often used for cautionary tales, critiquing contemporary social, political, or technological trends. Some authors also use this as a tool for warning of the potential consequences if those trends continue unchecked. Sounds like something you might want to do with your work in progress? We’re off to a society that is set in the near future, dealing with something that is already a problem in our world today. If you think about one of your favourite dystopian fiction, you would probably be able to figure out how this might be unfolding in that tale.

If you want to give your work in progress a great structure and make sure your target audience instantly connects with the tale, it is often wise to include the key elements found in the other works like yours. 

Why To Include Key Elements?

Readers come to a book with certain expectations. This is based on its genre and subgenre. Meeting these expectations can make their literary adventure more enjoyable and satisfying. As an author, it is your responsibility to deliver what you promised. So, if you are promising a dystopian land where water is a luxury, that is what they will be excited to read. You can only stretch so much trust your readers have put into you. It is also great to make sure your narrative effectively conveys the themes of the particular subgenre. In Dystopian Fiction’s case, these themes revolve around technology, individual freedom, and ethics.

If you want to make sure your readers instantly connect with the tale unfolding in your novel, it might be a good idea to include these key elements often seen in Dystopian Fiction.

Elements of Dystopian Fiction

An Oppressive Regime

Such worlds are often governed by authoritarian governments or powerhouses that exercise significant control over every aspect of citizens’ lives. How they might do it? Well, that is up to your imagination. It can range from state-of-art surveillance, propaganda, censorship, or simply brute force. All of this is done to maintain their power.

Lack of Hope

Dystopian stories tend to lean more towards a pessimistic nature. This is not to say that your characters should be insufferable, always cribbing about what is going around them. Rather it means that the characters are faced with insurmountable odds and limited hope for a better future.

Advanced Technology

Dystopian societies often possess advanced technology, what it is used for depends on how you want your story to unfold. Remember, technology can both empower and oppress in these settings. This can also have either nature taking the world back by force or a complete environment decay where resources are scarce. 

A Rebellion

One of the most recognizable elements of Dystopian narratives is that it frequently involves characters or groups who resist the oppressive regime. They either often seek to overthrow it or simply survive within it. These resistance efforts are a central element of the story.

Continuing our journey into the realms of subgenres in speculative fiction, our sails shall be next set to navigate the territories of Utopian narratives. Do you think I missed any key elements of Dystopia narrative? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time! 

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what next to write. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

The post Unlocking the Recipe for Dystopian Fiction appeared first on DIY MFA.

In today’s column, let’s embark on a grand expedition to unravel the power of utilizing different subgenres within the realm of speculative fiction. It is time we unveil the remarkable potential they hold in enriching our storytelling and captivating the hearts and minds of readers. 

So, grab your literary compass, and let’s head on this extraordinary voyage, navigating the vast expanse of speculative fiction’s diverse subgenres.

What Is a Subgenre?

Simply put, a subgenre is a distinct and specialized category within a broader genre. It is characterized by specific themes, settings, or narrative conventions. 

For example, if “Romance” is a genre, then “historical romance” takes place in a historical time period. On the other hand, “paranormal romance” incorporates supernatural or fantastical elements into the love story.

Why Do Subgenres Matter?

Appealing a Target Audience

By utilizing specific subgenres, you can effectively target and cater to different audience preferences within the expansive realm of speculative fiction. 

If you are someone who has a hard time figuring out what your demographic audience is, maybe it is time to think about what subgenre you are targeting. This can help you foster a dedicated fanbase and ensure your work resonates with the intended audience. 

Open Up to Unpredictability

If you want to keep your readers tearing through the pages of your novel, try genre blending. It is where familiar tropes and themes are combined in unexpected ways. 

This fusion creates narratives that defy traditional genre conventions. Naturally, what you get is unpredictable plot developments. It is also fun to write.

Narrative Flexibility

From epic quests and character-driven dramas to intricate political machinations and time-bending plots, each subgenre brings its own narrative framework. This can allow you to choose the most fitting elements to complement your story’s themes, pacing, and character arcs, resulting in a more satisfying narrative experience.

Exploring Themes

By incorporating different subgenres, you have a chance to delve into a myriad of themes and ideas from multiple perspectives. 

Take for example, exploring social issues through the lens of a cosmic horror framework. It provides a platform for nuanced exploration of diverse topics. Ultimately, it is perfect to add depth and substance to your storytelling.

In case you are wondering how to get your creativity rolling in a certain subgenre, fret not! With each forthcoming column, our sails shall be set to navigate the uncharted territories of some of them within the realm of speculative fiction. We shall begin our journey at the end of the world with dystopian narratives and trace our footsteps back. 

If you could create your own unique subgenre within speculative fiction, what elements or themes would you combine? Let your imagination run wild in the comments. 

Until next time!

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what next to write. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

The post Navigating the World of Speculative Fiction through Subgenres appeared first on DIY MFA.

While world building and plot are crucial components of speculative fiction, it’s the characters that breathe life into the story and captivate readers. In this genre, it’s easy to get lost in the fantastical setting and thrilling plot twists, but don’t forget that it’s the complexity and relatability of your characters that will keep your audience invested and emotionally engaged.

Crafting complex and relatable characters may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but fear not, for we shall conquer this crucial task together. In this installment of Wordly Wise, we’ll unravel the mysteries of character development, exploring the key elements that bring your protagonists to life and allow your readers to form deep, emotional connections with them. 

So get ready to unleash your creativity and discover the secrets of building unforgettable characters that will leave a lasting impact on your readers.

Strong Foundation

To create a realistic character amidst a speculative setting, a solid backstory is a must. Include their childhood, family, education, and any significant life events that have shaped who they are today. By giving your characters a rich backstory, you’ll be able to create fully fleshed-out characters. This is crucial as it will help you stay true to your characters’ personalities and motivations throughout the story, despite them growing and changing over time.

Flawed In Perfect

I don’t mean use a flaw as a crutch or a way to make your characters more sympathetic. Instead, flaws should be an integral part of your character’s personality and help drive the plot forward. This will also make them more human-like. 

Go beyond the basic flaws. Maybe even turn strengths into weaknesses.

What’s Their Motivation?

Like people, characters also need to have goals and motivations. It is your duty as the writer to ensure that these motivations are authentic and meaningful. Motivations can be external, such as other’s approval or revenge, or internal, such as finding happiness. 

To make sure you’re on the right track, always ask yourself: Why does my character want to achieve their goal? What are they willing to sacrifice to get there?

Make Them Mingle

It is impossible for characters to exist in a vacuum and seem relatable. One of the best ways to “show, not tell” their personalities is to make them mingle with other characters. Some will be hurdles towards their goals, others will aid them. In the end, these relationships will not only make your characters richer but turn your story more dynamic too.

While you are creating these wonderful characters and an astonishing world around them, remember, you must make sure your characters fit into the larger world you’ve created. 

For now I will leave you with two important questions related to character development: How does your character’s background shape their perceptions of the world around them? How does it make them interact with the other elements of the story, such as the setting or the plot?

I will wait to read your answers in the comments. Until next time!

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what next to write. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

The post Crafting Dynamic and Compelling Characters in Speculative Fiction appeared first on DIY MFA.

In case you feel me, I am not going to let you go through that weird slump. Together we are going to look at ways that can make writing the middle of the novel more interesting. After all, if you tear through the pages writing your story, chances are, readers are going to tear through them too.

But first things first, what is Act II or the Second Act? Well, if you follow the Three Act Story Structure, this is the middle of your story. The part where your character is going to get into all sorts of shenanigans. They will be put to the test, the action will rise, and readers will get to see their character arc going. Feeling excited yet?

What I love about the second act is the plot twist or the radical change in the direction of the expected plot. Always keep in mind this should not come off as making no sense to your readers. In fact, somehow your readers should be able to anticipate it. No one likes to be played for a fool. If you are looking for some plot twist ideas, that’s exactly what we are exploring today:

The Makings of a Plot Twist:

Old Acquaintances

This is going to be perhaps the easiest and the most difficult plot twist to pull off. Make an old acquaintance from your character’s life re-emerge. Depending on how you want to take the story ahead, this person is either going to be of help to your character or cause some drama in their life. Make sure they are not just a wallflower or the readers are going to be put off by it. Which also makes the hard part. 

This plot twist must be delivered in a way that does not make your readers feel cheated. To have a speculative take on this plot twist, have this old acquaintance be the key to some major event. Or they could be holding back a supernatural secret. Feel free to weave it your own way.

The Lie

Have something or someone your character desperately needs turn out to be a lie. Not only is this going to throw off their entire course of action, but it can help uncover a side to your character that has never been seen before. After all, humans behave uncharacteristically when under too much stress. Readers will want to tear through the pages as they try to figure out what is your character doing next. This plot twist blends perfectly well with speculative fiction tales which are related to quests of some sort, but give your unique touch to it, as always.

Divine Intervention

Life does not always go the way we want it to go. Something or the other is bound to happen that is out of our control or totally unexpected. Then why should it not happen to your character? In speculative fiction, this can be a literal divine intervention. A lighter take would be to have the character’s path blocked somehow. Anyhow, make sure that it does not hit the readers out of the blue. The entire idea is to have the readers scream at the end of the plot “I knew this was going to happen!” and yet leave them with a sense of satisfaction and anticipation.

Vanish Without A Trace

Someone disappears. Did they leave of their own accord? Was this character kidnapped? What are the clues pointing at? Bear in mind, this plot twist should not take away from the original plot of the story. Plot twists must always aid or cause trouble in your character’s journey, not throw them off course. That is to say, your royal romance novel should not suddenly turn into a murder mystery. Especially if there was nothing hinting at it since the beginning. This plot twist is likely to build up the tension. Readers would love to find out what your character is going to do in the wake of this new event. If they have been too focused on their goal, is this going to make them pause?

What plot twist is going to be your pick? Or did these spark a new idea in your head? Comment down below and let me know. Until next time!

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what next to write. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

The post Four Plot Twist Ideas to Get Your Act II Going appeared first on DIY MFA.

Let’s first take a moment to understand what a literary theme is and why it is important. 

Literary themes are the main idea you want to explore through your story. It can be a message you want to deliver through your work or the exploration of a certain part of human society. Recall some of the best novels, movies, or TV shows you have ever watched. They must have had a literary theme or a message they conveyed.

Doing this is important because you want your novel to be relatable. We, as human beings, tend to look for things that resonate with us. Literary themes and the characters exploring it can make your readers feel closer to your story. It also makes just a random bunch of events into something heartwarming. But have you ever wondered which of the multiple themes you see out there can work best with speculative fiction and how? Read on to find out!

Good Versus Evil

The quintessential fight between good versus evil has captured readers’ attention for a long time. Whether you first came across it in some religious scripture or found it in a novel, like the Harry Potter series, this theme speaks to the masses. And for a good reason. The theme is about the protagonist going against an antagonist. This antagonist can be an individual, a society, or even a supernatural force. A good versus evil theme lends itself well for speculative fiction by creating tension in a unique world setting, and can even help unravel mysteries about the world, characters, or their species. This theme can also help bring the protagonist’s internal conflict to the forefront without overshadowing your unique world building.

Love and Friendship

Often a powerful theme, and the most universally understood. After all, everyone, at one point in their life, has craved for an epic love or a beautiful friendship. Maybe even both. The theme works well because it has so much potential, from exploring toxic relationships to describing heart-wrenching sacrifices. For speculative fiction, this theme can work as an extra layer to your already extraordinary ‘what if’ question. If the stakes are high in your novel, you can sprinkle in the chosen flavor of your love and friendship theme: forbidden love, unrequited love, familial love, betrayal, or friendship. If your protagonist is going on a journey to an unexplored world, but has someone to return to, or finds someone along the way, it makes the story more impactful.

Revenge and Redemption

The tension is always high when revenge comes into play. Often, you find revenge themes in the classic superhero stories. How you play it out will determine how the story is perceived by the readers. I, personally, enjoy writing the revenge theme. The first novel-length story, House of Cards, I put out into the world without a pen name, was centered on it. It explored the cost of human life and how much you can stretch morality without tipping over to the darkside. Doesn’t that sound fun? Redemption is a whole other story (no pun intended). It is hope. Finding the error of your ways. Speculative fiction can do wonders with a redemption theme. Rather than turning the mood all gloomy, your novel can be the sunshine of hope.

Courage and Perseverance

This is not just something seen in literature, but also in real life. When faced with adversity, people fight against it and come out the other side as victors. The odds might not be in their favor, but that is what makes the story nail-biting good! Protagonists in speculative fiction often have to show courage and perseverance to reach their goals. After all, the unique world is often just as new to them as it is to the readers. Even if it is not, the ‘what if’ question can test them to their limits. This might, after all, be a good match to your novel. 

Remember, you can always mix and match your themes. As long as the central idea resonates with your readers, they will remember what they read for a long time.

Which theme are you going to pick next? I can’t wait to read in the comments. Until next time!

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what next to write. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

The post How Literary Themes Can Make Your Novels Better appeared first on DIY MFA.

But first things first, what is the inciting incident? Well, simply put, it is the event that sets your story into motion. This is the event that makes your character decide between the two choices they have. It paves the way for their future journey. Sadly, there are myths surrounding this seemingly complex, but crucial, story beat. Let us debunk some of these myths and write the perfect inciting incident for your novel:

Myth 1: The Inciting Incident Should Be An Exciting Event

We can often get fixated over a great call to adventure that can propel the story forward. It is a jaw-dropping, never-before-written idea. You are sure the readers will love it and I am too. However, hold your horses. An inciting incident in itself is not going to make your readers resonate with your story. It does not matter whether you are introducing them to a unique world or have a masterful way of showcasing a sci-fi element. What you want to do first is to establish a connection between your reader and protagonist. The inciting incident is all about the readers understanding what is at stake for the protagonist. Yes, the inciting incident can be an exciting event. But no one is going to care about it if they don’t care about your protagonist.

Myth 2: It Is The Introduction To Your Story

Often confused for being the first event in a story, an inciting incident can be better understood as the event that makes your protagonist take the first solid action in their journey. There can and should always be a first event that then leads up to the inciting incident. That first event, like a conversation or a background story, can help establish the stakes. When the inciting incident strikes and forces your character to take action, it will be more impactful than a random exciting event happening to them. Remember, this is not the point where you unload world building on your readers. This is where you get them wondering what the journey holds.

Myth 3: It Can Replace The Hook

Never consider ‘the hook’ and ‘inciting incident’ as synonymous. The hook is something that grabs your reader’s attention. It is the opening scene that makes the readers continue reading the next page or even the next scene. An inciting incident is what makes the protagonist take a solid action in the direction of their journey. For the readers, it works as sort of a catalyst for the plot. It makes them want to stay longer and go on the epic adventure with the characters they are being introduced to. Yes, an inciting incident and hook can be the same event, but they are not easily replaceable by one another. 

Myth 4: The Inciting Incident Is All About Curiosity

The decision the protagonist takes post-inciting incident is not supposed to leave the readers confused. It should align with the stakes and make sense to the personality of the protagonist. This is probably one of the worst times to make the protagonist do something out of character. This does not mean an inciting incident cannot evoke any sort of curiosity in the readers. It should. However, this is not all about curiosity. If your readers are wondering more about what is happening than looking forward to the story, it might be off-putting for some. This is especially why you should hold off introducing them to a new world or to too many characters in the first few pages. Inciting incident should help gain some sort of clarity in the situation. At the least, it should tell the readers where the journey is going to be headed. 

Have you ever believed in one of these myths about inciting incidents? Are there any other myths you know of or are guilty of believing? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time!

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what next to write. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

The post Busting 4 Myths about the Inciting Incident appeared first on DIY MFA.

1. Worldbuilding 

Speculative fiction is incomplete without an awe-inspiring world that you need to introduce to your readers. You have all these cool ideas that you’re sure are going to hold your readers’ attention, but hold your horses! The first thing you should introduce to your readers is the protagonist that they’re going to care about. As is the case in some genres, like mystery, if you are holding off on introducing the protagonist, that’s okay. But no reader is going to care about an awesome world until they know who or what they are going to follow into that world.

Give your readers someone to root for and then gradually introduce them to your incredible world. It’s going to have a much greater impact and will stick with them longer.

2. Overwritten Prose 

Say it with me, “readers are smart!” You don’t need to write everything to where it sounds like you’re spoon-feeding the novel to your readers. They’re smart, they’ll figure things out.

The pressure to produce the perfect first chapter is high, but needlessly over-elaborating a point is going to have the opposite effect. This also includes, especially for Sci-Fi, over-explaining the science part to your readers. Unnecessary repetition, flowery figures of speeches, confusing sentence structures are all no go. Also, don’t throw jargon at your readers. No one likes to be told, “I don’t think you’re smart enough to figure it out yourself, so here is all that you need to know in 200 pages”.

Focus on pacing the plot. And while you’re at it, remember to avoid overwritten prose for the rest of your novel.

3. Too Much Physical Description  

Even if your world is amazingly different, or your characters look a certain way in your head, please do not give too much physical description.

As far as characters go, give valid descriptions and let your readers’ imagination take it from there. No one is going to remember the certain shade of brown your protagonist’s eyes look like either way. Not to mention, if a million readers read your description, chances are they are still going to imagine different things.

With the world, once again, instead of condensing the information in one place, try to spread it throughout the novel. And what can be left to your readers’ imagination, let them take it over.

4. Info-Dumps

It might sound like the previous two “what not to do” covered this one, but info-dumping is a much greater crime. We have all heard of the classic rule called “show, don’t tell”. This is where everything is “telling” and the readers get no “showing”. I am talking about backstories, motives, inner conflicts, and everything in between here.

Even a sentence or two of info-dumps can be off-putting. And yes, none of us writers will ever be able to get away with it even if we try to hide it between the dialogues. After all, how many of us actually go around talking to our friends about the kind of world we live in unless it is a conversation about the world?

Info-dumping destroys the illusion of fictional reality. It is like the characters are trying to point out something to the readers. That becomes a barrier between a reader’s imagination and the story. Information must always be conveyed naturally.

The first chapter is hard, and the first draft is harder. But if we break them down and slowly work on one element at a time, holding your published novel in your hands will no longer be just a dream.

What is something you’ve sworn to never do in your first chapter? Let me know in the comments. Until next time!

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what next to write. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

The post What NOT to include in the First Chapter appeared first on DIY MFA.

Entry hooks can be one of the hardest elements of a story to write, regardless of the genre. But if you can nail them, not only can you grab your readers’ attention at the beginning of your story, but also reuse your newfound skills to repeat each time a new chapter starts.

First, to the basics! In case you’re just starting on the journey to write your first book and you’re wondering what an entry hook is and why it’s important, look no further!

What Is an Entry Hook?

The opening line (usually the first line) that grabs the readers’ attention and makes them keep reading. This is the line where the author can truly show the readers why their book is worth reading. So, a wonderful exercise might be to ask yourself one simple question.

Ask yourself: Why is my book worth reading?

Why Are Entry Hooks Important?

A great entry hook is important to make sure your readers don’t put down your book. You need to introduce something exciting enough that shows your readers, “You should not put this book down!” If you nail your entry hook, you will keep your readers focused on and willing to immerse themselves into what you’re offering them.

Now that the basics are out of the way, shall we see what works best as an entry hook for Speculative Fiction? Today, I offer you:

4 Entry Hooks That Work in the Genre of Speculative Fiction!

1. IN MEDIAS RES

This is a classic strategy. Drop your readers in the middle of an action. Not only does this scene and its pace make a reader want to tear through the pages, but starting in the middle of an action also leaves a lot of unanswered questions. What will the readers have to do to find the answers? Keep reading on!

By using in medias res as your entry hook, you are creating an intrigue. And here’s a secret to nailing this hook: Don’t plunge your character into some catastrophic event. Instead, show your readers the emotional aftermath, especially if this is the beginning of the novel.

The reason is that your readers have yet to connect with your characters and this is a beautiful way to make them connect. Of course, the catastrophic middle of an action scene can be an entry hook in later chapters when your readers are connected to your characters.

How to make it work for speculative fiction? We already have an edge of the ‘What if’ intrigue. By using in medias res as your entry hook, you can turn up that dial however many notches up.

How many of you are into sci-Fi or horror movies? I am! Most of these movies start in the middle of an action. Ever heard of the movie ‘Train to Busan’? Yes, the Korean zombie hit! If you’ve watched it, you know it’s unlike any other zombie movie or TV show out there. But you know what hooked me right in? The first scene.

Spoiler Warning! (Maybe?) A truck carrying delivery goods is allowed to pass through a road where a biotech plant has had a leakage. No sooner, the driver, distracted by a phone call, hits a deer in the middle of the street, and from the looks of it, the deer should not be getting up. Ever. But as the driver drives away, the deer contorts itself and wakes up with foggy eyes.

This beginning left me with so many questions. Talk about intriguing the audience!

Ask Yourself: How can I introduce my ‘What if’ question in the middle of action?

2. UNIQUE SETTING 

Now this entry hook is like a match made in heaven for Speculative Fiction. Why? Who else has more unique settings than writers working in our genre? Though a setting itself might not be interesting enough for a reader to keep reading, these unique settings can amp up the intrigue game. You don’t have to info dump your setting on the readers, just give enough details to draw your readers in.

Another way to look at unique settings is to make sure characters are somewhere they aren’t supposed to be. Think of a police officer in solitary confinement. That makes you wonder what is going on here.

A Game of Thrones is a very interesting example of this. In the prologue, and with the very first line, we are left intrigued:

“We should start back,” Gared urged as the woods began to grow dark around them. “The wildlings are dead.”

For anyone who has zero clue about Game of Thrones, they might be left wondering, “what are wildlings?” But the further we move into the prologue, we know this isn’t some usual story. The speculative element is high in this one!

3. SECRET OR QUESTION 

Tell me if there is anything more intriguing than being left out of a secret or with an unanswered question! This is the kind of opening that leaves readers with more questions than answers. They want to know it all!

This type of entry hook immediately engages the reader because they ask the basic question: “Why?” Why is this happening? I’m asking you to tease your readers.

How to make it work for speculative fiction? When you have your “what if” element, introduce it in the opening line in such a way that it creates more questions than it answers.

The opening line of Peter Pan is a great example of this:

“All children, except one, grow up.”

The formula to nail this kind of entry hook in our genre is to create your “what if” question into some sort of puzzle. With the Peter Pan example, think: How can the essence of Neverland be introduced without really introducing it? With that opening line right there!

Ask Yourself: How can I create an intriguing puzzle/secret/question with my “what if” element?

4. THE CONTRADICTION

Anything that is contradictory is going to create so much intrigue your readers cannot put the book down. I am not talking about forcing something to look extraordinary when it is not. We need an honest contradiction here.

These can be contradictions in action, in emotions, in setting (like we’ve talked about in the unique setting entry hook). If you properly set up this entry hook, we are also looking at a great conflict introduction. Whether it is within the character or interpersonal.

How to make it work for speculative fiction? Your “what if” element can itself be a contradiction to how our regular world works! Show your readers that contradiction.

Remember: Entry hooks can be as unique as your story. If you nail them, you can keep your readers till the last page. Which entry hook will you be using?

Until next time!

Disha Walia is a lifelong storyteller and an enthusiastic writer and editor in love with the idea of exploring the creative world of words. While making her space in the world of non-fiction and fiction alike, Disha loves to spend even her free time daydreaming about what to write next. Connect with her on www.quillinary.com. You can also follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

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