Suspense Writing Teaching Resources

Cover 3 Tips for Writing Suspense (1080x630)

Table of Contents

• What is suspense?
• Why is suspense important?
• How to create suspense in writing?
• Common mistakes to avoid when creating suspense
• Examples of suspenseful writing

What is suspense?

Suspense is a feeling of anticipation or tension that keeps readers hooked and engaged in a story. It is created by the writer by withholding information or creating uncertainty about what might happen next. Suspenseful writing keeps readers on the edge of their seats, wanting to know what happens next.

Why is suspense important?

Suspense is important because it keeps readers engaged and interested in a story. It creates tension and anticipation, making readers want to know what happens next. Without suspense, a story can become dull and uninteresting. Suspense also helps to build emotional connections with characters, which can make readers care more about what happens to them.

How to create suspense in writing?

Creating suspense in writing involves several techniques that can be used to keep readers engaged and interested in a story. Here are some of the most effective techniques:

• Withhold information: One of the most effective ways to create suspense is by withholding information from readers. This can be done by not revealing important details about characters, events, or plot twists until later in the story. This creates uncertainty and makes readers want to know more.
• Use foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a technique where the writer hints at what might happen later in the story. This creates anticipation and keeps readers engaged in the story. Foreshadowing can be done through dialogue, setting, or character actions.
• Create a sense of danger: Creating a sense of danger or urgency can also help to create suspense. This can be done through descriptions of the setting, the actions of characters, or the use of a ticking clock or deadline.
• Use cliffhangers: Ending chapters or sections of a story with a cliffhanger can also create suspense. A cliffhanger is a moment of high tension or drama that leaves readers wanting to know what happens next.
• Create complex characters: Creating complex and well-developed characters can also help to create suspense. Characters who are unpredictable or have hidden motives can keep readers guessing about their actions and intentions.

Common mistakes to avoid when creating suspense

While creating suspense is important, there are also some common mistakes that writers should avoid. Here are a few:

• Being too predictable: Predictability can ruin suspense. If readers can easily guess what is going to happen next, they will quickly lose interest in the story.
• Withholding too much information: While withholding information can create suspense, it is important to provide enough information to keep readers engaged in the story. If readers are left completely in the dark, they may become frustrated and give up on the story.
• Using clichés: Using clichés or overused plot twists can also ruin suspense. Readers are likely to be bored if they have seen the same plot twist or outcome in multiple stories.
• Not resolving suspense: While leaving some unanswered questions can create anticipation for a sequel, it is important to resolve the main source of suspense in a story. If readers are left completely in the dark, they may feel unsatisfied with the story.

Examples of suspenseful writing

Here are a few examples of effective suspenseful writing:

• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: This novel uses multiple narrators and timelines to create suspense and uncertainty about what really happened to a missing woman.
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: This novel uses a ticking clock and a dangerous setting to create a sense of urgency and danger.
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: This novel uses multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators to create uncertainty and keep readers guessing about what really happened to a missing woman.

Conclusion

Suspense is an important element of effective writing. By withholding information, using foreshadowing, creating a sense of danger or urgency, using cliffhangers, and creating complex characters, writers can keep readers engaged and interested in a story. However, it is important to avoid common mistakes such as being too predictable, withholding too much information, using clichés, and not resolving suspense. By using these techniques effectively, writers can create suspenseful and engaging stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.