Raising Tension?

MorganMarshall · Dec 1, 2011

So, I'll state my question simply and to the point: how do you raise tension in your work? Do you have some time-honored traditions that work for you that you would be willing to share?

OK... Go!

ColoradoKate · Dec 1, 2011

There's always the classic: the MC comes up with plan that will solve his problem/get him what he wants/resolve the conflict. Everything's moving along nicely, and it looks to be successful, when kablooey--it all blows up, and instead of no problem, there are now additional problems, and a worsened original conflict.

It's always fun to let the reader realize that disaster is on the way just before the MC realizes it.

MorganMarshall · Dec 1, 2011

I always hate that when I'm reading a story! But then again, I keep reading to make sure it comes out OK...

Ferret · Dec 2, 2011

I think it's good to have lots of little (and some big) mysteries. Too many new writers make the mistake of thinking they have to explain everything immediately, especially when it comes to important background and world-building information, but not explaining things right away can keep the reader reading. At the same time, you don't want the novel to become confusing, so it is a balancing act.

Social conflicts are good, too. I always want everyone to be best friends and to have great communication, but this isn't really very realistic or interesting. Throwing in a fight or misunderstanding between the MC and his friends can add a lot of tension.

The main plot should be big enough to sustain a novel. The problem shouldn't be easily solved.

MorganMarshall · Dec 2, 2011

I have made that mistake myself, often. Especially in explaining/telling too much. I knew it when I was a new writer, but it took years to figure out how to fix it. My issue, it turns out, was fear that I would leave something out that I forgot to explain later and/or confusing readers. Of course, that is easily fixed by beta readers and critters, which I didn't know about years ago.

At the moment, I'm working on a new issue: how to make a book self-sustaining within a series.

There's always something to work on, huh?

And about social conflicts I entirely agree. They're needed, but they suck to write. I like everyone to be happy, and all my characters (except the main antagonist), to be nice and happy... but that doesn't usually make for a very good story.

MsJudy · Dec 2, 2011

Tension also comes from not knowing what's going to happen next...but being pretty sure it won't be good. So learning how to foreshadow things without giving too much away is an important skill.

MorganMarshall · Dec 2, 2011

I've always loved ending chapters on a cliffhanger. It's the overall scene tension that I have problems with, I think. Though I'm working on it!

Morrell · Dec 2, 2011

One thing you can do on a scene level is give a time limit. They have to hurry because the bell is about to ring. Or someone's mom is on the way to pick them up. Or it's nearly curfew.

You can also have a threat hanging over their head. Someone might catch them doing whatever it is they aren't supposed to be doing. Or it's about to storm. Or the bully is looking for them.

Very simple, but it will raise the tension!

MsJudy · Dec 3, 2011

Cliffhangers only work to raise the tension if the pacing leads up to it. It's a technique that can be overdone pretty easily, IMHO.

nitaworm · Dec 3, 2011

I haven't quite mastered it as well as thriller or mystery writers but I'm getting better with each book. I like to build up and express tension within my characters.

Smish · Dec 3, 2011

MsJudy said:
Cliffhangers only work to raise the tension if the pacing leads up to it. It's a technique that can be overdone pretty easily, IMHO.

+1

Raising Tension?

MorganMarshall

I keep my head firmly in the clouds

ColoradoKate

MorganMarshall

I keep my head firmly in the clouds

Ferret

Dook!

MorganMarshall

I keep my head firmly in the clouds

MsJudy

MorganMarshall

I keep my head firmly in the clouds

Morrell

MsJudy

nitaworm

AW Addict

Smish

Reads more than she writes.