A Baker's Dozen: Ways to Create Suspenseby Bonnie Drury
The suggestions listed below are gleaned from many articles and books on the subject. I've found them to be helpful and hope you will too.
1. "Make them laugh, make them cry, make them wait." LaVryle Spencer
2. Every character should have a secret.
3. "When stuck, use a letter or phone call to generate new tension." Phyllis Whitney
4. "Resolve mystery or crime first, emotional resolution last for reader satisfaction." Mary Higgins Clark
5. Split up some scenes to create the most tension; move to another setting and leave the reader worried about what's happening elsewhere.
6. A major character is not what he/she seems--spring surprises.
7. Try scenes from different viewpoints to see which creates the most tension.
8. Villains must possess some humanity; they cannot be totally flawed.
9. Setting can convey the atmosphere of foreboding or be the direct opposite (i.e., the sun-drenched beaches in Jaws.)
10. "Keep the readers in a state of anxious uncertainty." Barnaby Conrad
11. Build suspense step by step. As one question is answered, pose another.
12. "A moment of tension requires an economy of words." LaVyrle Spencer
13. Most importantly, readers must care about the people in your stories, or none of the above will make a difference.
© Published in the Sacramento Valley Rose Newsletter, reprinted in other RWA chapter newsletters.
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