Want to add an extra punch to your stories and keep your readers on the edge of their seats? Then it's time to master the art of the...
(want the answer?) (ready for it?) (...here it comes...)
the CLIFFHANGER!
A cliffhanger is a writing technique that leaves readers hanging at the end of a chapter or scene, often with a question or a dramatic event that builds suspense and anticipation. The Empire Strikes Back had an incredible cliffhanger ending—Luke Skywalker might be Darth Vader's son? Han Solo is frozen in carbonite? I remember being a little kid and thinking, "What's going to happen next?!"
Here are a few tips on how to use cliffhangers effectively in your writing:
Know your story's structure: To use cliffhangers effectively, it's important to have a solid grasp of your story's structure. You should have a clear idea of the major plot points and where you want to end each chapter or scene. This will help you build tension and leave readers hanging at the right moments.
Use questions: Asking questions is a great way to keep readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next. You can end a chapter with a character asking a question, leaving readers wondering about the answer. For example, "Who could have done this?" or "What will happen next?"
End on a dramatic event: You can also end a chapter or scene on a dramatic event, such as a cliffhanger in its literal sense - a character hanging off the edge of a cliff! This creates a sense of urgency and makes readers want to find out what happens next.
Use cliffhangers sparingly: While cliffhangers can be a great tool, it's important not to overuse them. Too many cliffhangers can make your story feel manipulative and can cause readers to lose interest. My suggestion is to use a cliffhanger to catapult your story into the third act, and then...
Deliver on your promises: When you use a cliffhanger, make sure to deliver on your promises in the next chapter or scene. Don't leave readers hanging for too long or fail to provide a satisfying resolution.
Cliffhangers can be a powerful tool to keep readers invested in your story. By understanding your story's structure, using questions and dramatic events, and delivering on your promises, you can employ cliffhangers effectively in your writing.
-Andrew
The Indie Author Method
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