Basics. According to the APA manual, quotations that are 40 words or more are considered block quotations and are formatted differently than regular quotations. The entire block quotation is indented 0.5 inches, the same as the indentation for a new paragraph, and is double spaced.

Block quotations are used when a quotation exceeds a specific length. Requirements for length vary, depending on the style guide being used. Block quotes can be effective tools for persuading readers or proving a point, but they should be used sparingly and edited appropriately.

The dos and don’ts of block quotes: A primer

• DON’T use a block quote for a quote you obtained firsthand.
• DON’T use a block quote for any quoted segment that is both less than three full lines of text in the editing interface and fewer than five sentences.
• DON’T use quotation marks to open and close a block quote.

About Block Quotes

• Any quotation containing 40 or more words should be formatted as a Block Quote.
• Do not use quotation marks to enclose block quotations.
• Place period at the end of the quote rather than after the citation.
• Block quotes should start on a new line and indent the block about ½ inch from the left margin.

Direct quotations involve incorporating another person’s exact words into your own writing. Quotation marks always come in pairs. Do not open a quotation and fail to close it at the end of the quoted material. Capitalize the first letter of a direct quote when the quoted material is a complete sentence.

Use quotation marks only when quoting someone’s exact words, either spoken or written. This is called a direct quotation. “I prefer my cherries chocolate covered,” joked Alyssa. Jackie kept repeating, “Good dog, good dog!”

A strong statement hook is a sentence that makes an assertive claim about your topic. It connects to the thesis statement and shows the importance of your essay or paper. A strong statement is a great technique because it doesn’t matter if your reader agrees or disagrees with your statement.

A question hook is when you ask the reader something that they can visualize and try to think of in their own minds. Then, the writer answers the question. Example: Have you ever watched the high-flying, jump shooting, slam dunking, ankle breaking players that play in the NBA?

A good hook—whether it uses action, emotion, a strong statement, or another technique—will have your reader guessing about your characters’ motivations, backstories, and more. Instead, set up a scene that leads your reader to come up with the question on their own. Stay away from description.

Try these creative hook ideas for essays:

1. Start with a question. Asking your readers to think about the topic is a great way to get them ready to hear more.
2. Use descriptive words. Creating a picture in the reader’s mind can make him or her feel connected to your writing.
3. Leave it a mystery.

Here are 12 tips for how to write a good hook!

1. Startle readers with the first line.
2. Begin at a life-changing moment.
3. Create intrigue about the characters.
4. Use a setting as the inciting incident.
5. Up the stakes within the first few pages.
6. Introduce something ominous right away.
7. Set the mood.

Story starters

• I didn’t mean to kill her.
• The air turned black all around me.
• Icy fingers gripped my arm in the darkness.
• Wandering through the graveyard it felt like something was watching me.
• The eyes in the painting follow him down the corridor.
• A shrill cry echoed in the mist.

Strategies for writing an essay hook:

1. Use literary quotes.
2. Write a quote from a famous person.
3. Surprise with a misconception.
4. Write an anecdote.
5. Tell a personal story.
6. Use statistical data.
7. Ask a question.
8. Share a fact or a definition.

10 good ways to start a story

1. Spark a reader’s interest. At the start of a story, all you want is for readers to read on.
2. Put a character in a setting.
3. Introduce a main character.
4. Start with action.
5. Hook them in.
6. Make it clear.
7. Have a distinctive voice.
8. Make it dynamic.

17 Ways To Make Your Novel More Memorable

1. Your protagonist drives the story.
2. Structure your book as a roller-coaster ride.
3. Tell the story in a linear way.
4. Write from your heart.
5. Start your novel at the end of the backstory you’ve created.
6. Include only the most important parts of the story.
7. Always remember the end.

8 Great Ways to Start the Writing Process

1. Start in the Middle. If you don’t know where to start, don’t bother deciding right now.
2. Start Small and Build Up.
3. Incentivize the Reader.
4. Commit to a Title Up Front.
5. Create a Synopsis.
6. Allow Yourself to Write Badly.
7. Make Up the Story as You Go.
8. Do the Opposite.

5 Elements of a Suspense Novel

• Conflict. Every novel needs conflict, and it’s also incredibly important for building suspense.
• Pacing. The pace of your novel is another important component to building suspense.
• Red herrings. Red herrings are clues in your story that mislead readers.
• Atmosphere.
• High stakes.

Ten Ways to Create Suspense

• Create a promise in every chapter.
• Create a hidden identity.
• Create a puzzle.
• Open a chapter or section with a question.
• Use flashbacks to open new sources of suspense.
• Finish a chapter with a cliffhanger ending.
• Give characters complicated histories.

Suspense is anxiety or a state of uncertainty or excitement about the resolution of something. An example of suspense is wondering when the killer will strike while watching a horror movie.

6 Secrets to Creating and Sustaining Suspense

• Put characters that readers care about in jeopardy.
• Include more promises and less action.
• Keep every promise you make.
• Let the characters tell readers their plans.
• Cut down on the violence.
• Be one step ahead of your readers.