Brock's Book Blog

Have you ever wondered how to create more interest in your writing?  Tension often results when something is left unfinished.  This lack of completeness compels the reader to keep going. In writing this can be a useful motivational tool, cajoling readers to continue consuming your story.  Consider stretching  an incident over two chapters , spaced by something unrelated in between.  Warning, don’t do this too often or the story will become overly fragmented. 

A cliff hanger at the end of chapter, a major event  left unresolved, or perhaps a twist of plot  beckons additional attention.  Strive to create the reader’s desire to resolve that pending crisis.  Plant hints designed to tickle the readers subconsciousness as the plot unfolds.  Now, didn’t we see this bit of ribbon discarded on the path somewhere else?  The old red herring can also heighten interest.  As long as there aren’t too many, false clues can lull a reader into believing the butler is the culprit, only to discover they have been deceived.   Well, just who did do the deed anyway?

Another device for tugging readers down your garden path is to create and or imply conflict.  Two alpha personalities banging heads is sure to generate interest.  Who will prevail, how will they resolve their differences?  Don’t forget good old biology 101, raise the sexual quotient.  Who will get the girl?  Or least I be accused of sexism, will the heroine select the good guy or fall for bad boy.  Don’t be in a hurry to split the sheets though.  A reader who identifies with major characters will follow the story relentlessly to see if the deed is consummated.  Hormones have played a significant role in literature since Bathsheba doffed her bathrobe for King David.