Classes

Writing the Suspense Novel

Act I/II

4 Sessions

Tension-filled, action-packed stories have thrilled readers since the dawn of civilization. Storytellers invite us to journey alongside brave heroes and heroines into suspense-filled adventures, losing track of time, and sailing through the story world. Our pulses quicken as we face bloodthirsty villains, wild animals, natural disasters, fierce battles, and incredible feats—all in the name of making our world better place. Then and now, we live in the thick of danger and unpredictability. People fear the ruthless and the greedy and the faceless predator lurking in the shadows keeps them awake at night. In these moments, humanity craves a hero—a courageous yet flawed individual determined to confront evil and restore peace. As suspense writers, our mission is to craft authentic and unexpected actions for a hero that arise naturally from character, plot, emotion, setting, and dialogue. It all begins with understanding character, the foundation from which plots twist, emotions resonate, and meaningful dialogue emerges and explodes into suspense.

Session 1: The foundations of suspense covers the definition of a suspense novel, and an overview of the basics of characterization, villainy with a pulse, the promise of fear and hope, obscure emotions and sinister symbols, precarious point of view, edgy dialogue, high stakes.

Session 2: The writer digs further to detail the suspense novel. Topics covered are research, show the threat - don’t explain, foreshadowing without spoiling, danger in the setting, scene level tension, and the art of the plot twist.

Session 3: Advanced Strategies to deepen the suspense novel. Topics covered are the ticking clock, high-concept suspense, choices and consequences, and when all seems lost.

Session 4: Literary techniques for the Christian writer. Suspense with a higher purpose—how to weave faith that shows in credible techniques. Q and A