Each
post for the A to Z Challenge is the challenge I set for myself.
 |
| A squire looked after the knight's sword and shield. |
 |
| S is for SUSPENSE, squire, sword and shield |
S is for Suspense. You don’t have to reveal everything at
once. The reader’s empathy for the MC is the basis of suspense but, they only
know what the character knows so write intense action, and real danger to
heighten the emotional connection. You can offer insights through foreshadowing
or withhold details by contrasting the action with what the MC appears to be
thinking at that time.
HAL LONGLEAT AND THE TROUBLE WITH TRUTH
Hal gripped the ladder and dug his
fingers into the space between the blocks of stone. He held his breath. What could the knight do that was better than
Lord Courtney’s shot? “Please,” Hal whispered. Even though he had no idea
what he was hoping for. “Please.” He shook his head.
Could YOU have been gifted with the ability to identify
and eliminate weak and brittle phrases from your work? To the uninitiated,
these interlopers look like quality imagery.
CLICHÉ RAIDERS: REWRITE!
• safe and
sound
• salt of
the earth
• see how
the land lies
• shape or
form, in any
• share
and share alike
• simmering
hatred
• skin of
his teeth
• slowly
but surely
• so far
so good
• strike
while the iron’s hot
FOR S, I CHOSE SUSPENSE. WHAT IS THE SUBJECT OF YOUR S POST?
I'm working on the suspense aspect of my novel right now, Elaine. It's an emotional rather than physical suspense which hopefully will hook my readers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog - and yes, you must go to Middleham Castle :-)
Hi Paula
DeleteThe emotional suspense elements sound very interesting. Good luck, I hope you will be able to hook a lot of readers.
I grew up down the road from Middleham Castle. Not so close that I would want to walk from my old house to the castle. ;)
Suspense in writing is crucial. Not easy to reveal just the right amount without giving the reader the feeling we're toying with her patience.
ReplyDeleteAs for weak and brittle phrases ... some days I'm better at identifying them ... still a work in progress.
Silvia @ Silvia Writes
Hi Silvia
DeleteI agree, every scene needs conflict and at least an element that can heighten the suspense.
I enjoy suspense stories. Good selection of cliches.
ReplyDeleteLee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
Hi Lee
DeleteNice to hear from you.
I love suspense in fiction - I'm much worse at handling it in real life ;)