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5 Ways to Add Tension to Your Stories

  Tension is an element of the story that brings out the emotion in characters and your audience. Such as anger, sadness and fear. It's the most effective way bring your audience on an emotional ride that they'll never forget. To me it was The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene. With every dialogue, you are with the characters from the diagnosis to the heart breaking end. These points of tension are just helpful tips that I found through my recent surf through the internet and my recent favorite app: Pintrest.

  While I can't find the author who originally wrote the list (because, why? Pintrest.), I want to give full credit to whomever have wrote this. Although, I will give a full disclaimer: there's some points I agree with but I also added my own points as well. I also like to point out that these are just points. My opinions and the original author. There are other ways to add tension, I'm sure. But, these are the points of tension I came up with and the original author.

So, here goes: 5 ways to Add Tension to Your Stories.

1. Add Complications.

   A way to add tension to a short story or novel is by adding complications. They are hurdles the character(s) are facing or need to face before they reach their ultimate goal. Of course you can't make it easy for your character to get to their important end and get their hero welcome (Hercules; see what I did there?) they have to fight for it first. They have to see the other roads around them and what it'll lead before finally realizing that their original road is it for them. Think of it this way, before fighting their villian are they finish growing yet. Have they become a nearly different character then when he/she/they started? Think of it like hurdles the characters needs to face in order to grow and be ready for the future/ultimate battle.

  Another love interest can also be a complication. Learning about themselves and betrayals can also be a great complication. It will make their track from point A to point B much harder.

2. Variation of tension between characters and scenes.

  By adding tension to between characters, it would lead your audience in an emotional ride. Like I said previously. Going back and forth between characters, scenes and seeing different sides to each character can add intrigue and suspense. Letting your readers go through the same emotion(s) as the characters. Then once the fast-pace scene is over, your readers would be brewing with emotion. It will lead readers feeling sympathetic, angry and/or some sort of emotional pain for your character. This will also result in making your readers want to dive in to see what could happen next. Before you know it, you'll have your readers become invested in not only the characters but the world you built. In addition, it will make your audience unable to put the book down.
 
  Now, for the next point. This is the point I've thought of while reading and searching the original author of the article. I thought I should share this to you guys. Almost every book has it but, it needs to be critically placed or the importance of the scene will be lost to the audience/readers. When you drop a bombshell, the readers needs a breather afterwards. To let it sit. Let it marinate in the mind. Don't just drop bombshells all unnecessaringly. I know this might be a no brainier to the most of you but to those who don't know, just don't. If one bombshell will be dropped on after another just for tying up loose ends, we as readers would not appreciate the importance of that revelation. But, if your story calls for it. Do it.

3. If your story calls it, give your audience the "curve ball".

  It's the dreaded "curve ball". Yup I said it, the curve ball we all dread as readers. Is it Timmy who killed Cathy or is the mysterious boy down the street? Nope it's the best friend, who the author been dropping crumbs about.But you don't pay to close attention to it. He's funny. Adorable. Likes to put barbeque sauce on his mac-and-cheese. It couldn't be him because we all know someone like that character in real life.

  You see? The curve ball is important. Who is the killer and who is not? Which one of the drama queens have it out for their best friend? Or os it the step-mom? The curve ball is an important tool an author can use when adding tension and when the bomb drops... It drops hard. Now, that goes without saying that by having the "curve ball" doesn't mean you have to throw it all willy nilly. Like I said before. That move is important. Special, even. It also cannot be thrown when you need tension. The other points are good for that. The "curve ball" is thrown at the very height of your tension. Or when it's needs it the most.

4. Engage your reader's emotions.

  Like I said before, give your audience a rollercoaster of a ride. Allow your readers to become emotionally invested. So that way they'll feel the conflict/tension deeply.

5. Challenge your character's views.

  Now, I'm not saying to add political views in (p.s. if you want, it's ok). But to challenge their view. As we know, good and evil isn't black or white. Humans do crazy things. Sometimes, stupid things. But, evil and good isn't a line on the sand but blurred. However, I agree that there's cases where that is challenged. Challenging your character's views, their beliefs and wants is a good way to add a bit of tension to your novels or short stories. It will strengthen your character and help your audience to become involved. Seeing your favorite character grow, you can help but been in pride.

  So, there you have it. Five ways to add tension to your upcoming novels or short stories. This is to help you, the soon-to-be authors or the struggling-to-get-to-writing authors. So help you bring a bit of oomph, spice and some overall flavor to your writing. While there are many ways to add tension your writing, these are what I came across. Also some I thought of myself. So, don't stop wanting to achieve your dreams and goals. Whatever your goals may be and I will upload again soon.

So, with lost of hugs, kisses and good wishes;

Jessie ❤️