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Once I have a hook I think has potential - enough to spin…

“Once I have a hook I think has potential - enough to spin out more than a hundred thousand words, then I start turning my attention to characters. Who are these people? Why did this thing happen to them? But the hook always comes first.” quote by Linwood Barclay
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“Once I have a hook I think has potential - enough to spin out more than a hundred thousand words, then I start turning my attention to characters. Who are these people? Why did this thing happen to them? But the hook always comes first.”

Linwood Barclay

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Prioritize a compelling premise before developing characters, ensuring the story’s core drives the narrative.

In simple terms: Hook first, then characters.

Key Takeaway

Start with a strong idea.

Themes

writing storytelling creativity

Mood

analytical motivational

Type

instructional inspirational

When to use this quote

  • novel planning
  • screenwriting
  • pitching ideas

Key Concepts

narrative structure character development

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a hook irresistible?
  • How do you flesh out characters after the premise?
A Different Perspective

Focusing only on hook may neglect character depth.

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