My Journey as an Author - 19

I was writing a scene today where I wanted the character to feel fear, and the reader to be anxious. The outcome was not known. Something bad was going to happen, but it wasn't clear how things would unwind. It was tense, but it got me thinking about tension, itself, how we use it to enhance certain moments and make writing more engaging.

So, I thought I might give a few basic thoughts on the matter.

Creating tension in a story is crucial to engage readers and keep them eagerly turning the pages. It adds excitement, suspense, and emotional investment. Here are some techniques to effectively build tension in your writing, along with a basic example to illustrate their application.

1. Establishing Clear Goals and Obstacles:

Tension arises when characters have clear goals they desperately want to achieve but face significant obstacles in their path. The higher the stakes and the more challenging the obstacles, the greater the tension. For example, imagine a protagonist who wants to save their kidnapped loved one but must navigate a labyrinthine building filled with armed guards and intricate security systems.

In its truest form, a character's goal is to stay alive. It is understood when they are under the threat of death, directly or indirectly. Think a killer in the house, or a man surviving in the wild discovering their food for the Winter is rotten. It moves a character one step closer to death.

2. Time Pressure and Deadlines:

Introducing time pressure can intensify tension. Setting a ticking clock or an impending deadline adds urgency and heightens the sense of suspense. The fear of failing to meet the deadline can keep readers on the edge of their seats. In our example, imagine the protagonist only has a few hours before the kidnappers enact their dangerous plan, increasing the tension as they race against time.

3. Suspenseful Pacing and Structure:

Controlling the pacing and structure of your scenes can enhance tension. Use shorter sentences, paragraphs, and chapters during intense moments to create a sense of urgency. Quick, rapid-fire dialogue exchanges and concise descriptions can amplify the tension and make the scene feel more immediate. Varying the rhythm by alternating between fast-paced action and slower, reflective moments can create a rollercoaster effect, keeping readers engaged and invested.

4. Foreshadowing and Unpredictability:

Employ the art of foreshadowing to hint at future conflicts or dangers. Foreshadowing builds anticipation and suspense, making readers wonder when and how the impending tension will erupt. Additionally, introducing unexpected twists and surprises can elevate tension. Subvert readers' expectations by revealing new information or introducing a sudden twist that disrupts the characters' plans. This adds uncertainty and keeps readers guessing.

5. Emotional Turmoil and Conflict:

Tension is heightened when characters experience emotional turmoil and conflicting desires. Internal struggles, conflicting loyalties, or moral dilemmas create inner tension that resonates with readers. In our example, the protagonist may grapple with the choice between risking their own life to save their loved one or seeking outside help, intensifying the emotional stakes and the tension.

6. Heightened Sensory Detail:

Engage readers' senses by providing vivid and detailed descriptions. By immersing readers in the scene, you can create a heightened sense of tension. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations to enhance the atmosphere and make readers feel as if they are experiencing the tension alongside the characters.

Remember, tension works best when it rises and falls in waves, allowing readers moments of relief before ramping up once again. By strategically employing these techniques, you can keep readers captivated and invested in your story.

Example:

As Emily raced through the dimly lit corridors of the abandoned mansion, her heart pounded in her chest. Her goal was simple: find the hidden room where her kidnapped sister was being held captive. But the mansion seemed determined to keep its secrets, throwing one obstacle after another in her path.

She glanced at her watch, the hands ticking away the precious minutes. Time was slipping through her fingers like sand, and the kidnappers' deadline loomed ever closer. The pressure mounted, pushing her to move faster, despite the fear gripping her.

With each turn, her worry deepened. The creaking floorboards amplified her anxiety, and the distant echo of footsteps sent shivers down her spine. She knew she had to remain silent, but her ragged breaths threatened to betray her presence.

As she neared the hidden room, the moment came at last, too soon, but not soon enough. Her hands trembled as she inserted the key into the lock, her mind racing with what she might find on the other side, denying the images and thoughts which haunted her. The door swung open, a flood of light bringing everything into focus. Relief and horror. Her sister lay bound and gagged, but alive.

In this example, tension is heightened through the protagonist's clear goal of finding her kidnapped sister, the time pressure of the approaching deadline, the suspenseful pacing of the chase through the mansion, and the emotional turmoil of the protagonist's fear and desperation. The sensory details, such as the creaking floorboards and distant footsteps further enhance the tension, culminating in the climactic moment of opening the hidden room.

These are basic techniques, and by no means executed with any skill, but you can see how they work to give a feeling of tension, or the semblance of it. Readers will understand, and read along accordingly.