Maintain a high level of tension throughout the story from "summary" of Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction by Patricia Highsmith
In a suspenseful story, it is crucial to keep the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. One way to achieve this is by maintaining a high level of tension throughout the narrative. This tension can be created through various means, such as the use of dramatic irony, where the reader knows more than the characters, or by building up suspense through foreshadowing and clever plotting. By introducing conflict early on and escalating it steadily throughout the story, the writer can keep the reader hooked and eager to find out what happens next. This can be done through the use of cliffhangers at the end of chapters, leaving the reader wanting more and unable to put the book down. Another effective technique for maintaining tension is through the careful use of pacing. By varying the speed at which events unfold, the writer can control the reader's emotional response and keep them guessing about what will happen next. This can be achieved through the strategic placement of action scenes, moments of quiet reflection, and sudden plot twists. Furthermore, creating complex and multi-dimensional characters can also contribute to the overall sense of tension in the story. By giving the characters conflicting motivations, desires, and fears, the writer can keep the reader guessing about their true intentions and loyalties.- By maintaining a high level of tension throughout the narrative, the writer can create a sense of urgency and excitement that will keep the reader engaged and eager to see how the story unfolds. This requires careful plotting, skillful pacing, and well-developed characters, all working together to create a truly suspenseful reading experience.
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