Writing Tip: Build Tension and Suspense
Whether we’re writing a thriller, a romance, or even a cozy mystery, the pulse-quickening magic of anticipation cannot be understated! So, why is tension important, and how can we infuse our stories with that irresistible suspense? I’ve got 3 steps for building tension, but first, let’s touch on why suspense and tension matter. (Hint: They’re like magnets, pulling our readers deeper into our work.)
Why Tension and Suspense Matter
Engaging Readers on a Deeper Level
When readers are on the edge of their seats, emotionally invested in the outcome, the connection deepens and they won’t want to stop turning pages. It's the difference between reading and experiencing the story. It’s a solid way to form a connection between the reader and our story.
Heightening Emotional Impact
The thrill of anticipation enhances emotional engagement. Whether it's the excitement of a budding romance, the fear of an impending danger, or the uncertainty of a plot twist, building tension amplifies emotional impact. We want our readers to feel their investment in the story and the characters!
Keeping Readers Guessing
Readers love a good puzzle, and tension is simply the scattering of those pieces. By keeping readers guessing, questioning, and theorizing about what might happen next, we transform them into active participants.
Building Tension in 3 Easy Steps
Establishing Unanswered Questions
The key to tension is unanswered questions. Introduce mysteries, conflicts, or unresolved situations early on. These questions act as hooks, asking questions that we as a reader want to find the answers to. Whether it's the shadowy past of a character, the hidden motives of an antagonist, or the looming threat on the horizon, plant the seeds of curiosity every step of the way.
Example: "As she opened her grandmother’s weathered journal, she stumbled upon an entry that made no sense. The names didn’t match what was on the family registry. And they were from Louisiana, not Virginia. At least, that’s what she’d always been told."
Controlling the Flow of Information
It’s our job to effectively control the flow of information. Release details strategically, offering glimpses of the bigger picture while withholding critical pieces. This controlled release of information heightens curiosity and intensifies the desire for resolution. Keep readers hungry for more by revealing just enough to leave them craving answers. The above example also works for this, so we’ll add another part to that story.
Example: “Johnson. She ran a finger down the short list of names on the registry, but there were no Johnsons. Her grandmother had scribbled a single initial beside the name, circling it. M.”
Manipulating Pacing and Timing
Pacing is our ally in building tension. Accelerate the tempo during pivotal moments, creating a sense of urgency and breathlessness. Slow down during moments of reflection or build-up, allowing readers to savor the anticipation. This can be done by shortening sentences during faster scenes, and lengthening them during longer ones, or by using vocabulary and specific word choices to create the same effect.
Example: "Banging on the door startled her, and the key clattered to the ground. She was supposed to be alone! Swiping the key and the journal she ran. She ducked behind the curtain, watching… waiting. Breathe. They didn’t know she was here. If she stayed quiet, maybe they’d leave.”
Tension and suspense are everything if we want to write stories that keep people reading, even long past their bedtimes. I think most writers would love to create stories that have that effect on people! By engaging readers with unanswered questions, controlling the flow of information, and manipulating pacing and timing, we can build make our stories unputdownable (yes, that’s a word).
Happy writing!
