the deal with making a hook with a solid core wire is golden! it wont come loose, since it is wrapped around the pin. just make sure it only comes in contact with one pin, which is not too hard.
also, another trick to soldering is adding a small amount of solder to the iron tip and to the pin. this will make the solder more cohesive when you make contact. there is nothing more frustrating than soldering, and nothing sticks.
also, remember, cleanliness really is next to godliness! a small piece of fine sand paper to clean the ic pin and strip the wire to clean wire will help. solder rejects impurities.
a fine diameter of solder (.32 or smaller) will also help in electronics. it will melt quicker, and is better for small c
components.
more food for thought, a variable control solder station can help. i do not own one, but it is a matter of time! o
everything gorden and the others posted in this thread too...good advice! on cleanliness, keep the tip of your iron clean of excess solder. this will save on your tip. letting solder just melt on your tip while not in use will deteriorate it.
practice! almost a year ago, i started a very similar thread and my soldering has improved like 200% since then! these are all good principals, but you may find a system which works for you.