In honor of Friday the 13th, this post will discuss how to write a chilling thriller. Crafting a compelling and suspenseful story can be a challenge, but thankfully, there are a few key elements that all great thrillers share. With the right techniques, you can craft a book that will keep your readers gripping your book and on the edge of their seats. This article will discuss the essential elements of writing a scary good thriller! From outlining your plot by choosing the subgenre to creating action-full scenes, you’ll find tips and tricks for creating a thrilling story. So, if you’re ready to write a nail-biting thriller, continue reading down below.
Consider The Subgenre
Considering the subgenre of your book when writing a thriller novel is important because it allows you to create a story with specific elements that will appeal to the readers of that particular genre. For example, if you write a suspenseful thriller you will probably include elements of mystery, danger, and tension, but on the other hand, a psychological thriller will focus more on character relationships and their psychological manipulation. By staying true to the subgenre of your book, you can create a story that is both engaging and satisfying to readers! Also, by understanding the subgenre you can craft a story that appeals to readers who are already fans of that particular subgenre. Listed below are 10 thriller subgenres that you should consider:
Action
Crime
Disaster
Horror
Legal
Mystery
Psychological
Science Fiction
Spy
Suspense
Include Action
Including a lot of action when writing a good thriller is important because it keeps your readers engaged and adds excitement to the story. Action-packed scenes can leave your readers on the edges of their seats, unable to look away! Adding action can also provide a sense of urgency and suspense that keeps your readers hooked until the very end of your story. Plus, action scenes can be used to reveal character traits, develop relationships, and create tension between characters. By including a lot of action in your thriller, you can craft an exciting and engaging story that will keep your readers enthralled until the final page.
Give Your Characters Dark Secrets
It is also essential that you give your characters dark secrets when writing a good thriller because it helps you to create a sense of mystery and suspense that will keep your readers engaged and guessing until the end. Dark secrets can also provide clues and red herrings that can be used to foreshadow future plot points and keep your readers interested. Characters with deep and dark secrets also tend to be more complex and unpredictable, adding a layer of intrigue to the story. By giving your characters dark secrets, you can create a story that is unpredictable and exciting, ensuring that your readers remain intrigued until the very end.
Determine The Stakes
It is crucial to determine the stakes when writing a good thriller because this helps to create tension and suspense. The stakes are the consequences that the protagonist faces if they are unsuccessful in their mission and/or goal. By creating a sense of danger and urgency, your reader will be more invested in your story and is more likely to keep reading. Establishing the stakes of your characters helps to set the stakes for the protagonist and the reader, and it allows the reader to become emotionally invested in the story. For example, if the stakes are life and death, your readers will be more likely to feel an intense sense of suspense and fear for the protagonist. Plus, the stakes should be realistic and relevant to the story for them to be effective. By determining the stakes when writing a good thriller, you're able to create a story that is full of suspense and fear.
Utilize a Ticking Clock
Lastly, when writing a scary good thriller you should consider adding a ticking clock. A ticking clock serves to add tension, fear, and anxiety to your story by crafting a sense of urgency for the characters to reach their goals before time runs out. A ticking clock also encourages your characters to take risks and make bold decisions that they may not otherwise make. It heightens the stakes of your story, making it more exciting and unpredictable for your readers. Plus, a ticking clock can be used to build suspense and leave your readers constantly wondering what will happen next! A ticking clock adds a level of intensity and unpredictability to the story, making it more exciting and engaging for the reader.
Suspenseful thrillers are extremely entertaining and amusing for readers and writers alike. When written correctly thrillers are exhilarating and keep readers engaged for a long time. And though writing thrillers may take some time with these five tips, your thriller is sure to come to life! Happy Friday the 13th!