Suspense Novels Need Fast Starts


Suspense novels, unlike any other genre, need fast starts. Fans of suspense novels or their close relatives, thrillers, detective stories and mysteries, expect a fast-paced read. These suspense fans want that pace to begin immediately. So, if you want to create marvelous, fast-paced suspense novels, follow this one simple rule.

If your goal is to pen successful suspense novels, you will likely have a killer or some type of conspirator in your story. Your protagonist is likely running from the killer or is trying to unravel the conspiracy. In order to have your suspense novels hit the ground running, have either a tragic event in the opening chapter or have your protagonist involved in something dangerous.

Let me offer an example, using one of my own suspense novels. In The League, a group of people are trying to bring down someone or a group of people harming professional athletes. In order to get fans of suspense eager to read the rest of the novel, I decided to have an attack on a player in chapter one. So, instead of working on building characters and setting or something else, as some suspense writers do, I get immediately to the action that gives suspense novels the pace that they need to keep readers turning the pages.

So, when you sit down to begin the first of what will hopefully be many best-selling suspense novels, be sure you hit the ground running. Give your suspense novel the pace that your reader wants.

Mark Barnes is a novelist, sports writer and writing coach. He is the author of the novel, The League, a shocking, sports-related conspiracy, published by DNA Press. His next novel, Troon, a suspense/thriller about a golfer fighting for his life while trying to win a 5 million-dollar secret tournament at Royal Troon in Scotland, is currently in production. Learn more about Mark Barnes and his work at http://www.sportsnovels.com. Once there, pre-order his unique suspense/thriller, The League, and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

MORE RESOURCES:
RELATED ARTICLES
Does Your Story Have A Theme?
Creative Writing Tips -It should.A theme is a one-line explanation of your story.
Top Ten Great Headline Ideas
What Makes a Great Headline?Headlines are far more important than the copy beneath them. If you don't use headlines within your chapter or in your Web site sales letters and article titles, you will lose your audience's attention in a few seconds.
Five Common Errors to Correct Before Submitting a Letter or Report
First impressions count in writing too! So it is always a good idea to carefully check documents such as letter, reports, and proposals before submitting them. Below are five of the most common errors.
Want to start a publishing revolution?
Calling all publishers, editors, journalists and freelance writers. It's time to breathe more life into your copy.
9 More Writing Tips for Successful Email Marketing
A few months ago, I wrote a guide entitled: 101 Writing Tips for Successful Email Marketing. In fact, many COPY TIPS subscribers have a copy.
Is Horror Dead?
I've noticed a big shift away from traditional horror recently, in books, shorts and in subs to E2M.What's happened to the werewolves, devils, demons, ghosts, vamps and other nasties?Some claim that the above has been done to death.
The ENTP Inventor Writes A Novel
People familiar with the Myers-Briggs Personality test know that the writer is the INFJ. This person is introverted, intuitive, feelings-oriented and judgmental.
Understanding The First Rule Of Writing - Before You Start The Great American Book
Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are not followed. Even mixing and matching systems to favor one's own position can cause a great deal of consternation.
Does The Title Reflect The Story?
Short Story Writing Tips -We all have different tastes in what we like to read. Some have a particular taste for horror, while others prefer romance or fantasy or crime stories, etc.
Dont Rely on Your Spellchecker - or - The Importance of Good Proof Reading
Weather posting a page to your Website, writing a letter to a customer, or submitting an article for publication, it is extremely important to demonstrate how professional you are. Not only does a series of spelling and grammatical errors show a discourtesy to your readers, it makes you look amateurish.
Tips For Better Writing
It is certainly true that we don't get a second chance to make a first impression. As the impression we make on the Internet is almost always with the written word, is it unfortunate that there is so much poor writing bouncing around in cyberspace.
Ten Quick Tips for Inexperienced Writers
One of the biggest problems that inexperienced writers have is simply knowing how to get started. If you've unsure of your writing skills, then here are some quick tips to help you get started.
Childrens Stories - The Essentials
There is no specific formula for children's fiction. There are, however, some necessities.
Write A Better Newsletter!
You've decided to write your very own Newsletter to promote your business, communicate with your customers, or just for FUN.You've read hundreds of newsletters.
If You Want to Succeed As a Writer, Dont Just Think It, Do It
It never ceases to amaze me when a prospective writer confesses that he or she has never put anything down on paper. Obviously, that's the first step.
Time to Write
SO YOU WANT TO BE A WRITER?Many people have entertained the idea of being a writer. They feel the passion to write.
Create A Dream Diary
How many times have you forced yourself to sit in front of a computer and waited for inspiration to strike?Most of us at some point, whether just starting out or even an experienced published writer, have suffered from the proverbial writers block or have struggled to kick-start their creativity.Sometimes ideas just flow and writing our article or story is easy.
A Mode of Transportation
Great writing transports one vicariously to realms that the reader would not otherwise experience.One of these areas is physical: ancient, modern, or futuristic.
Comma Usage Made Simple
Don't they drive you nuts?You can visit all the rules of style you want, and you can read all the books and articles you want. You'll still be confused.
Get Creative In The Great Outdoors
Summer's here and the time is write for dancing in the streets..