Focus on creating tension in every scene from "summary" of Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction by Patricia Highsmith
The key to writing suspense fiction lies in the ability to create tension in every scene. This tension is what keeps readers hooked and eager to turn the page. It is what keeps them on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what will happen next. To achieve this level of tension, it is important to focus on every aspect of the scene, from the dialogue to the setting to the character's actions. One way to create tension in a scene is through the use of conflict. Conflict can come in many forms - internal, external, physical, emotional - but the key is to ensure that there is some sort of struggle present. This struggle helps to create a sense of unease and uncertainty, keeping readers guessing as to how the conflict will be resolved. Another way to create tension is through the use of pacing. By carefully controlling the pace of a scene, an author can build suspense and keep readers engaged. This can be done through the use of short, choppy sentences to quicken the pace, or through longer, more descriptive sentences to slow things down. By varying the pace of a scene, an author can keep readers on their toes and ensure that they are always eager to see what happens next. In addition to conflict and pacing, setting also plays a crucial role in creating tension. By carefully crafting the setting of a scene - whether it be a dark alleyway, a deserted cabin in the woods, or a crowded city street - an author can help to set the mood and tone of the scene. This can help to create a sense of foreboding and unease, keeping readers on edge and eager to see how the scene unfolds.- The key to creating tension in every scene lies in the careful attention to detail and the ability to keep readers engaged and eager to see what happens next. By focusing on conflict, pacing, and setting, an author can ensure that their suspense fiction keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
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