How to Add Suspense to your Tween Book

The driving force of almost every book of fiction, particularly one for tweens or YA readers, is the element of suspense. There are 3 primary elements of suspense: mystery, conflict and tension.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. In a few paragraphs, write a brief outline your story. Now you’re ready to add the suspense.
2. The element of mystery is essential to creating suspense. Be careful that the “aura of mystery” you are creating is not a cheat to the reader. A little “who are those guys” goes a long way.
3. Make sure your story has conflict otherwise known as uncertainty. This is a very basic element of a story, but not to be overused within the story. There are 2 types of conflict: external, where your hero battles the forces of nature or your hero comes against the villain, and internal, such as, what choices will your hero make?
4. There must be tension or anticipation in your story. Anticipation can be defined as having an expectation of what is to follow. The hero about to enter the dark cellar both foreshadows and creates suspense.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that suspense in your story makes the goal seem out of reach and the outcome uncertain, and keeps your reader turning the pages.