Focus on building tension from "summary" of How to Write Your First Novel by M.L. Ronn
When writing your novel, it is essential to remember the importance of building tension throughout your story. Tension is what keeps readers engaged and invested in your characters and plot. By creating a sense of unease or anticipation, you can draw readers in and keep them turning the pages. One way to build tension is to create conflict between your characters. This could be a physical confrontation, a heated argument, or even just a difference of opinion. By forcing your characters to confront their differences, you can create a sense of tension that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Another way to build tension is to introduce obstacles that stand in the way of your characters' goals. Whether it's a difficult boss, a looming deadline, or a personal struggle, these obstacles can create a sense of urgency that drives the story forward. You can also build tension by withholding information from your readers. By keeping certain details hidden or teasing out clues slowly, you can create a sense of mystery and suspense that will keep readers guessing. Finally, you can build tension by raising the stakes for your characters. By putting them in increasingly difficult or dangerous situations, you can create a sense of urgency that will keep readers hooked until the very end. By focusing on building tension throughout your novel, you can create a sense of excitement and anticipation that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. So, don't be afraid to put your characters in difficult situations, withhold information, and raise the stakes – your readers will thank you for it.
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