Suspenseful Writing

By /

Suspenseful Writing

Introduction

Key Question:

How does a book captivate so entirely that it disrupts a routine journey?

Example:

  • Situation: On the London Underground, missed stop while reading a Gregg Hurwitz novel.
  • Reason: Momentum — the force that keeps the reader turning pages.

What is Momentum?

Momentum is the pulse of compelling storytelling. It:

  • Propels readers forward.
  • Raises questions that demand answers.
  • Sustains engagement throughout the narrative.

Comparison:

  • Literary Fiction (e.g., Marcel Proust): Beautiful but slow-paced, often lacks momentum.
  • Commercial Fiction (e.g., Gregg Hurwitz): Fast-paced, keeps readers hooked.

Self-Critique in Writing

Example from Gregg Hurwitz:

  • The Crime Writer includes a critique of thriller authors:
  • “Exploitative bastards who feed on fears.”
  • Hurwitz’s Response:
  • Writes with underlying themes and ethics.
  • Balances suspense with moral and emotional depth.

Building Tension: The Role of Stakes

Components of Suspense:

  1. Stakes: Introduce risks and dangers that escalate.
  2. Layers: Combine physical threats, psychological dilemmas, and thematic questions.

Example:

Opening of Orphan X:

“After picking up a set of pistol suppressors from a nine-fingered armorer in Las Vegas, Evan Smoke headed for home in his Ford pickup, doing his best not to let the knife wound distract him.”

  • Key Elements:
  • Questions: Who is Evan? Why a knife wound?
  • Intrigue: A nine-fingered armorer?
  • Result: Immediate reader engagement.

The Twist: A Powerful Narrative Tool

What is a Twist?

A twist is a narrative surprise that changes the story’s direction or meaning.

Types of Twists:

  1. Plot-Driven: Big surprises (e.g., The Usual Suspects).
  2. Emotional: Subtle, character-focused revelations.

Example:

  • Sweet Girl (film by Gregg Hurwitz):
  • Features a dramatic twist that redefines the story.

Tips for Using Twists:

  • Foreshadowing: Lay subtle clues.
  • Fairness to the Reader: Ensure the twist feels earned, not random.
  • Balance: Use sparingly to avoid over-reliance.

Practical Tips for Suspenseful Writing

1. Create Intriguing Openings

  • Example: Start with action or mystery.
  • Orphan X opening: “A nine-fingered armorer…”

2. Use Misdirection

  • Example: Distract readers to hide clues.
  • Hurwitz: A refrigerator magnet becomes a key clue, buried in the description.

3. Layer Perspectives

  • Vary narrative distance:
    • Third-person, free indirect discourse, or first-person.
  • Maintain clarity to avoid reader confusion.

4. Build Suspense Gradually

  • Example: Hitchcock’s “ticking clock” under the table creates anticipation.

5. Respect the Reader

  • Avoid deus ex machina endings.
  • Build a narrative that rewards close reading.

Study Questions

  1. How does momentum differ between literary and commercial fiction?
  2. What role do stakes play in building suspense?
  3. How can misdirection enhance the reader’s experience?
  4. What are the key elements of an effective twist?
  5. How does Gregg Hurwitz balance moral depth with suspense in his stories?

Final Thought

Suspenseful writing is not just about thrilling action or shocking twists. It’s about crafting narratives that sustain momentum, intrigue, and emotional resonance. By understanding and applying these principles, writers can create stories that captivate and engage readers from the first page to the last.

Light
Dark