Serious Wednesdays: Writing the Suspense Novel

Lots of people want to write a book; many even think there's nothing to it (HA!)

Let's talk today about suspense books and some of the things you need to develop to create a well-written suspense novel.

1. A strong hook that pulls the reader into your story; that demands he/she keep reading. 
2. Active reader involvement in piecing together information. The reader will feel he/she is in the middle of the story, a part of it.
3. Red herrings create diversions that keep the reader reading. The ending would be a dull mess if everyone could figure out what was going to happen in the first chapter
4. Suspenseful dialogue is necessary to keep the tension and interest high.
5. Effective, descriptive mood and language. This also allows the reader to be an interested party in what's happening. It makes for a sound book that creates what it's intended to do.
6. Well-structured chapters balance out the book. No one thing dominates the story, but each chapter is written so as to give the right "feel."
7. A satisfying conclusion is a vital part of a great suspense novel. Without it, the reader will close the book dissatisfied and likely to avoid the author's other books. 

That's a start. More later.

Happy writing!