This is Snapper, presenting you with the latest hook challenge. If you are unfamiliar with this writing challenge allow me to explain.

The theory is most editors, due to the volume of submissions they receive, will reject the majority of the submissions based on the first page. With the title, information required, and guidelines (double spacing, size font) the first page is usually the first 13 lines of your story. This exercise is to see who can write the best opening with the same story synopsis.

Each challenge a new synopsis is presented. This weeks is written by Philocinemas Other future synopsis writers are...

Crank (maybe)

If you like to provide a future synopsis copy the list above and add your name to it in your post in this thread.

If you are not sure what '13 lines' is, it is Courier 12 pnt in a 65 character line. (Kathy will probably provide a template). If your submission is longer than 13 lines it will get cut down to size (whining will do you no good).

Now here are the rules.

1) All submissions are based on the synopsis below. You can start anywhere you like in the synopsis as long it is how you would start your version

2) All submission are to be sent to me (my email address is up there) Send your email in the subject line
13 line hook challenge
and place your submission in the body of the text. Please write your submission as such

Your hatrack name

Entry # (I'll fill it in)

Title

Your wonderful 13 lines etc, etc, etc...

3) I will start posting submission when I get a sufficient number. The competition will last about a week after I post this message.

4) Voting will begin after I close the submissions. Please do not post anything in that thread until I close the submissions and open the voting. Everyone that submits an entry is encouraged to vote for your top three and favorite title (which can be part of the hook). All that did not submit an entry but would like to vote are encouraged to do so. And no voting for your own (that's lame)

5) At the close of the voting I shall tabulate the votes. First gets 5, second 4, and third 3. Winner is declared and you get to wear a pirate hat and say ARRGGH all week.

Now for this weeks synopsis...

quote:

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In the late 1940’s and throughout the 1950’s, aliens began a subversive invasion of Earth. They could not make an outright assault, because they could not find a way to build up immunity to all of the Earth’s bacteria and viruses. Also, though their technology was superior, they were still susceptible to nuclear blasts.
Their goal was to abduct women from some of the most influential cities of the world, secretly implant alien-human hybrid embryos in them, and then use psychic powers to communicate to the offspring their intentions. Within 20 years, there would be enough of these hybrids with superior intellects to effectively take over the world.
However, what the aliens did not foresee was what effect the use of narcotics and hallucinogens would have on these hybrids. By the time these hybrids matured, in the late 60’s and early 70’s, the widespread use of drugs had broken their psychic connections and just made for some seemingly strange people, especially in places like San Francisco, New York, and Paris.
After drug use appeared to be on a decline, during the late 1980’s, the aliens decided to try again. Now they have a brand new group of mostly drug-free hybrids ready to execute their plans. Captain Banana Splitzer is the son of a professor of German at the University of California, Berkeley. He has known he is an alien-hybrid most of his life (by way of the psychic connection). He attended Berkeley, graduated top of his class with a degree in poly-sci, and then enlisted in the US Army. However, now his allegiance to the aliens is waning, and he wants to stop the takeover of Earth.
Here is his dilemma. To whom does he go to discuss this? His Earth parents – Johann and Mary Splitzer? John Yaya, his wacky alien-hybrid professor of political science at Berkeley – who never seemed to care either way? His field commander, Lt. Colonel Scratchassy? Should he try to "out" the other hybrids? Or should he try to convince Commander Zlrp, who has spent the last 50 years dodging satellites and space debris, to introduce the aliens to humanity and work out a peace agreement?

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