What is the difference between a 'hook' and a 'dénouement' when writing fiction?
At a recent book-signing event, a conversation with a fellow writer focussed on how to hold the reader's attention (eg at the end of a chapter) by whetting the reader's appetite.
I have read some novels that create such a desire to discover what happens next that they are difficult to put down; others have the opposite effect, a desire to quickly finish the chapter, to resume at a later stage.
My friend and I discussed several chapter endings from two of my previous novels:
'Ignorant of the future consequences of his actions, the young Grenadier Weber dutifully followed the doctor.'
'His wish was about to be fulfilled in disastrous circumstances.'
'However, a most unexpected source would reward their persistence.'
'...fast moving events elsewhere in the region were about to change their lives.'
'They were living a dream with no guarantees that it would become reality.'
'He worried needlessly; Alice would provide a solution to his dilemma.'
'There would be resolution but not in the manner that he expected.'
How would the reader react to the above chapter endings? I am interested to know if other authors have the same dilemma about engaging the reader without divulging too much information.
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