Ask Jerry
How to excite readers
Asked by Kaelle Butler on May 20, 2020
Hi! I love to write action/suspense novels but sometimes wonder how to give the readers a thrill like I'd like. Do you have any tips on how to create suspense and make my book exciting?
Thank you!
Jerry's Answer
Suspense comes conflict (self-explanatory) and tension (which is easier than it sounds). Virtually anything can serve as a setup, Leslie, if it hints at something to come. For instance, if you mention your main character has a dental appointment the next day, the reader will assume something significant will happen there, way more than just teeth cleaning.
Keep pointing to future events and readers will keep turning pages. Your job is to payoff on all those setups.