Tension

Tension

Below are some of the things I try to keep in mind when adding tension to a scene I am writing…

 

When creating a character, make us “care” about them. Let us know something they desperately want.

… and then do everything you can to STOP them getting it.

 

Immediate tension. Add in stakes… for example, a ticking clock.

 

Stakes

• Stakes raise the tension.
• Stakes raise drama.
• Stakes create emotion and make your heart race.
• Stakes get the reader INVOLVED in the story.

 

Action scenes

• Short sentences.
• No long descriptions.
• Describe physical reactions (racing heart, stomach swirling, sweaty palms).

But Action is easy tension.

 

Non-action can create tension too… it can be emotional.

• Non-action can be anticipation. For example, searching for a lost pet or seeing a bully across the playground, or maybe standing in line to get on a roller-coaster.

 

Words and sentence structure.

The plot can move fast. Things happen fast. Short sentences. Sharp movements. Actions “snap, jerk, leap, bolt…”

OR it can move slowly with a lot of anticipation, by using longer sentences that give us more emotional impact. A character may be counting down the seconds until a balloon pops. Searching for a lost toy… knowing the baby will wake up at any moment.

BOTH can work to create tension in a story. Mix them up for a great story.

 

Activities

Write a short scene and include some of the above points.

• Seeing a bully across the playground.
• Breaking Nana’s prized decorative plate, and she’s walking in the door.
• Scratching Dad’s car, and he comes home already in a bad mood.
• It’s two minutes until the buzzer and the basketball comes your way.
• You have a job interview, and get to the platform as your train leaves.