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Being able to build tension and suspense in a story is an art form, and one that’s particularly important in the thriller and mystery genres. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, it’s essential to understand the elements that create thrills and chills in your readers. In this blog post, we’re going to explore some genre-specific tips for thriller and mystery writing that will help take your storytelling to the next level.

Understanding the Thriller Genre

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The thriller genre is all about keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, with heart-pumping action and unpredictable twists and turns. To excel in this genre, it’s important to include elements that will keep readers enthralled from start to finish. Some tips for creating suspense in thrillers include:

  • Starting with a Hook: A great thriller should grab the reader’s attention right from the beginning. To achieve this, start with an opening sentence that immediately sets the tone of the story and hooks the reader’s interest. Keep it short and powerful.

  • Building Tension Gradually: Use foreshadowing, metaphor, and subtext – story elements that hint at something coming next – to create suspense. This will help to keep your readers intrigued and engaged, wanting to uncover what happens next.

  • Use Time as a Tool: The use of time is critical in thrillers. By extending a period of suspense, you’ll captivate your readers and keep them invested in the story. Employ time constraints to add urgency and tension to the story.

A dark figure hiding behind a building, watching closely.

Mystery Writing Tips

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The mystery genre is one that requires careful planning and a lot of attention to detail. A good mystery will keep readers guessing until the very end, with twists, turns, and red herrings throughout the story. Some tips for writing exceptional mystery novels include:

  • Create an Intriguing Cast: Every character in a mystery has the potential to be involved in the story in some way. Make them interesting, with unique backgrounds and personalities, and their own motives for wanting to solve (or prevent) the central problem.

  • Use Clues and Misdirection: Mystery writing is all about piecing together clues and solving puzzles. Use red herrings or false clues to prevent the reader from solving the mystery too early. Make the truth difficult to uncover.

  • Establish a Clear Motive: Every mystery needs a motive. Make the motive clear and compelling so that the reader is invested in the outcome of the story.

A magnifying glass hovering over a single clue in the middle of a table.

Essential Elements for Successful Suspenseful Scenes

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A scene that is able to generate true suspense is critical for keeping readers engrossed in your thriller or mystery novel. Here are some essential elements for creating suspenseful scenes:

  • Establish a Time Limit: By creating a time limit, you’ll add an extra layer of tension to the scene. Whether it’s a ticking clock or a deadline that looms like a shadow over the scene, time pressure helps to keep readers engaged.

  • Strategic Use of Foreshadowing: Using foreshadowing cues to suggest what might be coming is an effective way to build apprehension and anticipation in your readers.

  • Employ Pacing Techniques: Utilize the writing techniques of short sentences/chapters and time manipulation to gain momentum, keep readers engrossed and guessing.

A dimly lit alleyway surrounds by dumpsters with a shadowy figure lurking in the distance.

Balancing Suspense & Character Development

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Both suspense and character development are essential to the success of your thriller or mystery novel. Balancing them properly is key. Here are some tips for getting the balance right:

  • Give Your Characters Flaws: Characters who are perfect are boring. Introduce characters with imperfections, fears and secrets that they may share or not share with others.

  • Use Characters to Create Plot Momentum: Fill the shoes of your character and speak through the voices you have crafted; help to generate action and tension in the story with their motivations and emotions.

  • Show, Don’t Tell: This is a key point in almost every post related to good fiction writing and suspense writing. Attaching the characters to the plot and its ominous journey while keeping them involved in character-driven activities and dialogue.

A hand holding a pen, hovering over a blank page while deep in thought.

Whether you’re writing a thriller or mystery, mastering the art of suspenseful writing takes time and practice. But by incorporating these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a gripping and engaging read.

A montage of the covers of several famous thriller books