Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers
What do you do to build tension in your writing?
This article in Writer's Digest is very good, How to Build Tension and Heighten the Stakes.
Would you use one or more of these approaches (change, twists or dialogue) or can you suggest alternative methods? How do you do it? I'm interested in what you feel is most effective.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sean Noonan on
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Well, all the above can help. Adding passion and emotion too. Changing the form of the writing to short sharp sentences. Pulling the reader along the paths you want at breakneck speed. Tweeking curiosity and pushing thought provoking ideas.
Each time is different but if I am clear on the intent of what I am writing it seems to work. Certainly that is how I see other authors doing it too. I can't read a book or see a movie without analysing how they have grabbed the audience, what they are doing with the plot and characters. Its fun. But sometimes I just have to tell myself to suspend my analysis and enjoy the experience.
Ah, the creative chaos of our minds... Is this what being an Artist is?
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Permalink Reply by Kay Elizabeth on
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I just format it so that when they turn the page it says in a giant font...
BOO!
Just kidding, buddy. Ignore my weird mood. :) I think it's the flu meds LOL. Sean, great answer!
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Permalink Reply by Aries on
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Writing out the person's thoughts works for me. "I'm going to die" "He's going to cut me" "It's going to hurt" "What's he going to do?" "Why is this happening?" "Don't!" "Don't cut that!"
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LOL
I like it. wonder if it would work...
Kay Elizabeth said:I just format it so that when they turn the page it says in a giant font...
BOO!
Just kidding, buddy. Ignore my weird mood. :) I think it's the flu meds LOL. Sean, great answer!
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Permalink Reply by Robert L. Allen on
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I agree with Sean, short sentencing. Leaving them hanging...Swaying in the breeze. The door failed to latch. Footsteps followed. Shadows appeared. Took her breath away. She waited to the killer approached. Sweat rolled down her face. Her finger trembled. Then burned... Emotions, Texture, smells, taste and so on. Great topic Scribble...
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I dunno, saying "emotions, texture, smells, taste and so on" in the middle of a tense scene is likely to ruin the mood. :P
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As death invites her to dine. She lay in memory of life. Tears, lining her eyes. One, after another, fall slowly down the wrinkles of age. For time has taken the youth, she once knew. No matter how hard she tries, she can no longer taste the sweet nectar of love. Nor smell the fragrance of another day. For the sky has fallen asleep. And the nights are left unattended...
I'v been informed to show don't tell...This short piece is both. However, it shows and tells how to use (emotions, taste, smells and texture.)
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Robert, I really liked that. Beautifully said! As death invites her to dine is an excellent line.
Robert Allen said:
As death invites her to dine. She lay in memory of life. Tears, lining her eyes. One, after another, fall slowly down the wrinkles of age. For time has taken the youth, she once knew. No matter how hard she tries, she can no longer taste the sweet nectar of love. Nor smell the fragrance of another day. For the sky has fallen asleep. And the nights are left unattended...
I'v been informed to show don't tell...This short piece is both. However, it shows and tells how to use (emotions, taste, smells and texture.)
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I'd rather have creative chaos than give it all up, Sean, so I guess it is. :)
That's a great point you made about the sentence length. I hadn't noticed that before consciously but now you mention it, I've seen that a lot. Sentences get shorter and choppier, more like fragmented thoughts sometimes.
Good observation! Thanks for sharing that insight.
Sean Noonan said:Well, all the above can help. Adding passion and emotion too. Changing the form of the writing to short sharp sentences. Pulling the reader along the paths you want at breakneck speed. Tweeking curiosity and pushing thought provoking ideas.
Each time is different but if I am clear on the intent of what I am writing it seems to work. Certainly that is how I see other authors doing it too. I can't read a book or see a movie without analysing how they have grabbed the audience, what they are doing with the plot and characters. Its fun. But sometimes I just have to tell myself to suspend my analysis and enjoy the experience.
Ah, the creative chaos of our minds... Is this what being an Artist is?
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Thank you! I rather enjoyed the last two sentences.
Kay Elizabeth said:Robert, I really liked that. Beautifully said! As death invites her to dine is an excellent line.
Robert Allen said:As death invites her to dine. She lay in memory of life. Tears, lining her eyes. One, after another, fall slowly down the wrinkles of age. For time has taken the youth, she once knew. No matter how hard she tries, she can no longer taste the sweet nectar of love. Nor smell the fragrance of another day. For the sky has fallen asleep. And the nights are left unattended...
I'v been informed to show don't tell...This short piece is both. However, it shows and tells how to use (emotions, taste, smells and texture.)
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Permalink Reply by Cassidy A. Young on
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One of my favorites is echoes. It could add fear with echoing footsteps, or loneliness. ECHO!!! Echo!! echo! echo... :)
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