HOW TO WRITE A MODERN THRILLER
This article explores the tactics Crichton used to craft realistic science fiction within one of his most popular novels, Sphere.
What's the difference between suspense and surprise, and how is each one powerful? Jane Cleland explains how to pair these two elements in your writing. Why writers need editors and editors need writers, tips to carve out time for your writing in your already busy life, the benefits of writing groups, and more. After more than four decades in publishing, record-breaking bestseller James Patterson has this to say: You can go your own way.
Discover an exclusive extended interview with Patterson below.
Suspense as Genre
Well-timed coincidences can catapult a story forward, but a poorly planned one can bring your readers to a dead stop. Despite being such an all-encompassing topic, there are still some aspects of writing a thriller that are common throughout the genre. Here are the six elements of writing a thriller:. The film Whiplash is a thriller about a young jazz drumming student being tormented by his college tutor, who pushes him to the brink. The threat is the tutor and being dropped from the elite class and losing the springboard to a glittering career, but the price is even higher.
How To Write A Suspense Novel
Since the financial crash in , the world of finance has become the perfect setting for a thriller. In this film, a couple of young staff members discover an error at their investment firm, which could ruin them all.
Fat pensions, promotions and bonuses are all at stake. The film takes place over one night, using the perfect combination of small location, threat and a time-bomb to keep up the tension. Tense thriller made better by the close quarters setting of a car. The infamous 80s psychological thriller sees Glenn Close as the ex-lover with an axe to grind and a bunny to boil.
Man plays away and decides to call the whole thing off and stay with his wife, but the other woman has other ideas. Many of these are films too, but worth mentioning anyway, if you want to see how to write pacy, taut thrillers that Hollywood loves. And make it clear to the reader what those stakes are.
A Great Thriller | Act Four Screenplays
A peculiarity of suspense, in contrast to mystery, is that often the reader knows almost everything, and certainly more than the protagonist. With a skillful disclosure of information to your reader, you align them on your side so that they have a fair idea of the pitfalls that await. You are putting your hero in peril, and your reader has to feel threatened. But life is full of distractions.
The Maltese Falcon
You need to master the art of the cliffhanger, so that your reader will sail right past the end of one chapter and into the next without hesitation. Reader and writer share a true connection when that happens. The best way I can suggest for you to learn and internalize the skills you need to write a suspense novel, is to read a lot of suspense novels. You have to be willing to invest time in learning.
Read first for sheer enjoyment, and allow yourself to be captured by the story. Make note of instances where the writer gave you something to worry about. And instances where they reminded you about it. And instances where they paid if off. Jot down anything that catches your attention as to technique during the second reading. Remember, try to ignore such things the first time around. Later you can go all analytical. Mary Higgins Clark has long been the reigning queen of modern suspense fiction.
The 5 C’s of Writing a Great Thriller Novel
Try out her books, then take a look at Joy Fielding, Thomas Perry, Jeffery Deaver, and Gillian Flynn, keeping in mind that not all their books fall into this category. Also, Stillhouse Lake , by Rachel Caine. Check the bestseller lists. There are lots of great suspense writers on the scene today. If you want to learn how to write a suspense novel, studying the masters is the best way to find out. Can you think of a book that fits these characteristics?