Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Tension in our writing

Don't forget to enter the title contest to win a Barnes & Noble gift card + a goodies basket from my local coffee shop, Village Coffee. Only two more weeks to enter.  http://robyn-campbell.blogspot.com/2010/06/questions-or-comments-about-title-post.html#comments 


The horse show was super fantastic. We had such a great time and Ivy made all of her jumps and patterns. She did an outstanding job. Ans she vows to go back next year, too. =)

Tension! We all face it in life. It's a given. Some of us daily. (If you have teenagers.) Especially girls.

Think of old movies. Every second of tension in a old horror movie is captured for our viewing pleasure. Even in old romance movies there is a lot of tension. Tension makes us watch on. Tension holds us to our seats. We can't wait to see what will happen next.

The same goes for our writing. Tension! Showing every second of the danger and action. Let your scene unfold in your head like a movie. Play it out. What made you grip your seat? Write it! 

I once read that interrupted action adds to the tension for the reader as much as the actual cliffhanger does. It causes stress and that's exactly what we want. =)

Distraction. It stops the action and adds even more tension, because now the reader must wait to see what will happen. More stress for the reader. Lovely isn't it?

Help the character to make mistakes. Now that can really add to the tension. A mistake can be as simple as saying no instead of yes. Or loosing an important email, that gives the oh so important phone number. Plot situations that boggle the mind. And make the reader read on.

Do shorter sentences help create tension. You betcha! What about word choice? Uhhuh. Words with harsh sounds in them, "shut up!", create tension. While words with a more softer feel and sound bring the reader into their happy place.  She longed to be kissed by him as he draped his arms around her. Okay bad example, I'm not a romance writer. =) But you get the message. I hope.

There a lots of ways to bring tension into your scenes. And add stress to your reader. And that's what we all want.   Thanks for reading. :)

47 comments:

  1. Agreed, Robyn. I find that short snappy sentences, sometiems even one word, helps a lot with the build up of tension. I always read my work out loud and if it sounds 'tense' and quick paced when i read it, then i know i'm on the right track!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great points Robyn! Tension is the arch that every story is built on.

    I love to read it and I love to create it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm working hard on creating more tension in my stories, so this is a great post to prompt me to do more. I like that you mention distraction. I never really think about it, but it always creates more suspense. It always makes me want to read more to see what will happen. Thanks for this great post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such a timely post! I'm doing the "final" edits (save for the galley proofs) on "The Rhythm of Secrets" and am adding a bit of tension here and there.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Excellent and useful and new to me!

    Thanks a bunch!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Glad to hear Ivy made her jumps and you had a great time. There's plenty of tension in competition, for sure. Nicely done--both of you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great post, my friend. Another way is to end chapters with a cliffhanger. The reader has to turn the page to find out what's going to happen next. Delayed satisfaction. Or, as one author writing from multiple perspectives did: had 1st perspective get hit by a car at the end of the 1st 1/3 of the book. The author then switched to a different perspective for the next 1/3 of the book. Talk about tension. Geesh.

    I much prefer the cliffhanger chapter thingy, but I'm just brilliant that way. Ha!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lou, I agree, girl. One word is all it takes. I discovered that in my MG novel. I used one word that really picked up the pace and tension. It worked great. =)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tamika, Exactly! I love to read it and I want my readers to read it too. =)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey Cindy girl. Distraction distracts and always makes the reader worry. I love making the reader worry. Tension is something that all writers need to work on. Not just you. =)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Patti, the galley proofs. I can't wait until I can say that. It has a certain 'ring' to it. =)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sandi, it is exciting, isn't it? This writing thing. I know you will bring the words to life. I'm very excited that you have decided to do this. =)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pat, thanks girl. She is very excited and so am I. She's made an excellent horseback rider. And I hope one day I will make an excellent writer.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Scott, YIKES! I actually meant to put something down about cliffhangers. But you are right, pal -o- mine. I prefer the cliffhanger chapter thang too. =) How'd you get so smart? Shhh, don't tell anyone I said that.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tension is an oh so wonderful thing in our writing. With our teenage girls, not so much. I hear ya! Glad the horse show went well.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Excellent post, Robyn! Tension is such a powerful tool in our writing. I think shorter sentences - and even some fragments - go a long way toward adding to tension. Good stuff here today, girl! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Agree with all your points! Great post, it makes you think. Also glad to hear Ivy had so much fun and did so well! Good for her!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow this is a FANTASTIC post! Tension is a toughy. I'm tense by nature, though:/

    ReplyDelete
  19. This is really a great post Robyn! The human experience is full of tension, anticipation, release, and engagement. Writers can add so much pull to their prose by keeping these ideas in mind.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Good post! Tension is so important, but so is the right balance. Sometimes there's so much tension that there's no room for the reader to relax and there's no room for character growth. Then if there's too little, it can become boring.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and
    I will be waiting for your further post thanks once again.



    Also visit my web-site - Louis Vuitton Outlet Online

    ReplyDelete
  22. Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
    It's the little changes that produce the most significant changes. Many thanks for sharing!

    my web site; Converse All Star

    ReplyDelete
  23. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the site
    is very good.

    Visit my webpage - Abercrombie

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi there, all is going fine here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that's truly fine, keep up writing.

    Here is my web blog: http://www.explorethecapabilities.com/michaelkors.html

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog.

    Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?
    A couple of my blog audience have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer
    but looks great in Opera. Do you have any suggestions to help fix
    this issue?

    Here is my website :: Going Here

    ReplyDelete
  26. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive
    a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation.
    My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic
    but I had to share it with someone!

    Also visit my blog post :: NFL Jerseys Cheap

    ReplyDelete
  27. I was curious if you ever thought of changing the layout of
    your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got
    to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so
    people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

    Take a look at my blog - homepage

    ReplyDelete
  28. This site was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me. Many thanks!

    Here is my weblog - Abercrombie and Fitch

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi there friends, how is everything, and what you want to say regarding this post, in
    my view its actually awesome in support of me.


    Also visit my blog post :: Solde Air Jordan

    ReplyDelete
  30. I needed to thank you for this fantastic read!

    ! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to look at new stuff you
    post…

    Review my homepage - Louis Vuitton Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete
  31. I am extremely impressed along with your writing skills as smartly as with the structure to your
    blog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it your self?
    Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it's rare to look a nice weblog like this one these days..

    My web site :: Louis Vuitton Handbags

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hurrah, that's what I was seeking for, what a material! existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this web site.

    my weblog ... Louis Vuitton Outlet1

    ReplyDelete
  33. What's up to all, the contents present at this web page are genuinely remarkable for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.

    my homepage: slc-wireless.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello! I understand this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does operating a well-established blog such as yours require a lot of work?
    I am brand new to writing a blog but I do write in
    my journal daily. I'd like to start a blog so I can share my experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring blog owners. Thankyou!

    Also visit my weblog ... www.explorethecapabilities.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Superb site you have here but I was curious about if you knew
    of any forums that cover the same topics discussed here?
    I'd really love to be a part of community where I can get comments from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks a lot!

    Look at my web page ... Abercrombie Et Fitch

    ReplyDelete
  36. Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too.
    This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the good works
    guys I've included you guys to blogroll.

    My website ... officielairjordan2013.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I am curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing?
    I'm having some minor security issues with my latest site and I'd like to find something more safe.
    Do you have any recommendations?

    Here is my weblog: Discover More

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi there to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and
    your views are fastidious for new visitors.

    Also visit my web blog; get more info ()

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hi there, I do believe your blog might be having internet
    browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
    I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent blog!



    Also visit my page: extra resources (www.socialesvipteen.com)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Wonderful web site. A lot of helpful information here.
    I am sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious.

    And certainly, thanks on your effort!

    Take a look at my weblog - Tory Burch Shoes

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you're using? I'm looking to start my own blog in the near
    future but I'm having a hard time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something unique.
    P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!



    my web-site: Chaussures De Foot (http://smu-fr.org)

    ReplyDelete
  42. This design is wicked! You obviously know how to keep a reader
    amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost.
    ..HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you
    presented it. Too cool!

    Feel free to visit my weblog; Learn More

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your mode of telling all in this post is in fact good, every one be capable of
    effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot.

    Also visit my blog NFL Jerseys Cheap :: ::

    ReplyDelete
  44. Appreciation to my father who told me on the topic of this website, this website is
    truly awesome.

    My homepage Air Max UK

    ReplyDelete
  45. Good day I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by accident, while
    I was searching on Aol for something else, Regardless I am
    here now and would just like to say kudos for a incredible post and
    a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design),
    I don't have time to go through it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.

    my page Cheap Jerseys

    ReplyDelete
  46. Awesome post.

    Also visit my web-site: Mulberry UK (whatsot.com)

    ReplyDelete
  47. hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise several technical issues using this website, since I
    experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to
    load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
    Not that I'm complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I'm
    adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective interesting content.

    Make sure you update this again soon.

    Also visit my blog ... Nike Air Max

    ReplyDelete

Leave me a note! :)