HOW TO CREATE SUSPENSE

The suspense is killing me ...

The FIRST rule ...

Create characters with such depth and resonance that the reader cares when you place them in jeopardy.


The SECOND rule ...

SLOW BURN.  

The danger must approach relentlessly, slowly, seemingly unstoppably ... then BAM!!



The THIRD rule ...

SIZZLE sells the steak.  

The problem of readers being bored isn’t solved by adding action but instead by adding apprehension. 

Suspense is anticipation; action is payoff. 

You don’t increase suspense by “making things happen,” but by promising that they will.



The FOURTH rule...

FORESHADOW don't TELEGRAPH the danger.


The FIFTH rule ...

Make Death not an IF merely a WHEN.  

Make the suspenseful scene seemingly impossible to get of.


Now, get out there  and raise some goosebumps  on your readers!