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.
Very helpful list, Laurie. Thank you!
I find it helps me to go over things like this for each book I write. I figured, maybe it might help others too 😊