Writing Craft7 min read
Building Suspense and Tension
Keep readers on the edge of their seats with proven techniques for creating and maintaining suspense throughout your story.
#suspense#tension#pacing#conflict
The Mechanics of Suspense
Suspense is the emotional state of anxious uncertainty about outcomes. It's created when readers care about characters and fear for their safety, success, or happiness. Master suspense by controlling information, pacing, and emotional investment.
Types of Tension
- Mystery tension: Withholding information readers want
- Anticipation tension: Readers know something characters don't
- Relationship tension: Emotional conflicts between characters
- Moral tension: Difficult choices with no clear right answer
Pacing for Suspense
- Vary rhythm: Alternate between fast and slow scenes
- Escalation: Each crisis should be bigger than the last
- Breathing room: Brief respites make tension more effective
- Cliffhangers: End chapters at moments of high tension
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