Interesting Stories

Category: Writing tips

  • How to Build Suspense in Your Story and Keep Readers Hooked

    Personally there are some stories that have built up suspense and tension in me , one of them was “Gone Girl ” by Gillian Flynn,

    I got to a part in the story and I began to ask myself some questions like ” who is responsible for Amy’s disappearance?”, “What is the truth behind Amy’s dairy entries” , and a lot more questions

    Guess what ? , You can also make your story as suspenseful and tentious as that , this will keep your readers curious

    Now , I’m going to list the notes on how to build suspense and tension in your story

    1. PACE YOUR STORYTELLING: Control the flow of information and reveal key details gradually to keep readers wanting to read more .

    2. USE CLIFFHANGERS: End chapters with unresolved situations or unanswered questions , this will make readers waiting and thinking of what will happen next

    3. CREATE CONFLICTS: Make sure to introduce challenges or opposing forces that create tensions and raise the stakes for your characters , readers do love a good show.

    4. UTILIZE FORESHADOWING: Give your readers a sense of what may happen, foreshadowing builds anticipation and creates a sense of tension as the readers starts to piece together the puzzle and anticipate what’s to come. Make the eventual revelation even more impactful.

    5. PLAY WITH PACING : Vary the speed of your narrative, alternating between fast-paced action scenes and slower , more introspective moments to create a chain of emotions

    6. DEVELOP COMPLEX CHARACTERS: Give your characters conflicting desires or hidden agendas that add layers of tension and intrigue .

    7. USE VIVID IMAGERY : Paint a vivid picture with your words , appealing to the senses and immersing readers in the scene , intensifying their emotional experience

    Remember , building suspense and tension is all about keeping readers engaged and eager to know what happens next .

  • HOW TO DEVELOP COMPELLING CHARACTERS

    Before I dive into tips for developing compelling characters, it’s important to understand that well-crafted characters can make or break a story.

    They bring depth , relatability and emotional connection to your narrative.

    Now let’s explore some tips to help you create captivating characters that will captivate your readers

    1. Create well-rounded characters with strengths , flaws and relatable qualities .

    2. Give characters clear goals and motivations that drive their actions .

    3. Develop unique personalities through their dialogue, actions and interactions

    4. Show character growth and development throughout the story

    5. Use vivid descriptions to bring characters to life and make them memorable

    6. Establish conflicts and challenges that test the characters’ strengths and reveal their true nature

    7. Ensure characters have meaningful relationships and interactions with other characters

    8. Make characters relatable by exploring their emotions, desires , and struggles

    9. Avoid stereotypes and clichés “overused phrases, ideas or expressions” and strive for originality in character creation

    10. Continuously refine and deepen your characters “add layers and complexity to your character’s personality, backstory and emotions” as the story progress.

    So, to wrap up the tips for developing compelling characters, remember to focus on creating unique traits , exploring their backstory and motivations, and allowing them to grow and evolve throughout your story . By deepening your characters, you’ll captivate your readers and make your story truly memorable . Enjoy developing your character

  • HOW TO CREATE ENGAGING PLOTS

    Writing a story is interesting, but it can also be confusing if your plots are not in order, it will keep your readers confused

    A strong plot is crucial because it keeps readers hooked and invested in a story . It provides structure, tension and conflict, making the narrative more engaging and memorable.

    A well-developed plot keeps readers turning the pages , eager to find out what happens next

    I am going to list down some notes on how to create engaging plots

    1. START WITH A HOOK : Grab your readers’ attention from the beginning with an intriguing opening that makes them want to keep reading.

    2. DEVELOP COMPELLING CHARACTERS:

    3. BUILD CONFLICT AND TENSION : Introduce obstacles and challenges that challenges that your character must overcome. Keep readers on the edge of their seats.

    4. INCLUDE PLOT TWISTS: Surprise your readers with unexpected turns in the story that keep them guessing and engaged

    5. PACE YOUR STORY : Balance moments of action and suspense with quieter, reflective moments to create a dynamic and engaging narrative

    6. CREATE EMOTIONAL ARCS : Take your readers on an emotional journey by exploring the characters’growth, struggles, and triumphs.

    7. RESOLVE CONFLICT: Provide satisfying resolutions on the main conflicts in your story , tying up loose ends and leaving readers with the sense of closure

    These are some few notes on how to create engaging plots, remember your plots must be on point thank you for your time