Quite a number of months ago I attended a day writing seminar, I write. There were some wonderful presentations and here are some notes I took on suspense fiction. These the suggestions offered by the author Greg Luke.

-Life is multi-genre

-suspense is an element of every aspect of life.

-Good suspense creates angst (conflict, tension)

-Good characterization: compelling characters are essential to all suspense.

-The initial reaction a story must elect from a reader can’t be empty.

-Protagonist must be person you can relate to.

-Reader relates to everything through the main character.

-Each character needs internal and external problems.

-start out with a bang. Put your protagonist in immediate conflict or create the potential for conflict in the first chapter.

-don’t give them the chance to give up.

-classic pacing devices: using shorter sentences, simpler words, short paragraphs, fragmented lines .etc.

-suggest you take a basic film making class to each perspective helps with writing.

-in your story, watch the movie in your head. Imagine the scene over and over and then put it on paper.

-screen writing says you need a plot point every 20 min. plot point: some element or twist in the plot. This would be about every 20 pgs. This will help make the story a faster reading.

-Has an Oh my Gosh moment that makes reader say what?!?

If you would like to add to the list, please provide your input in the comment section of this blog.