A Guide to Making Your Readers Read
As writers, our goal is to set the tone for our readers, and it is the opening sentence—or the first paragraph or two—that hooks them into the story. In journalism and creative writing, this opening is often called a lede: a carefully crafted introduction that invites readers into the subject while establishing the direction of the piece in a dramatic, comedic, or serious manner.
This guide is all about writing an effective lede—understanding what it is, how it works, and how we can shape it into a compelling piece of writing. A strong lede captures attention, sparks curiosity, and encourages readers to continue reading, making it one of the most important parts of any story.



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