Mastering the Art of Suspense

Everything you need to know about SUSPENSE in one comprehensive guide. We often hear the term "suspense" used as a wholesale description for thriller novels, but it's actually a literary convention that can be used in all types of fiction — from legal and political fare to crime and noir. In fact, the excitement and exhilaration that properly executed suspense can manifest is an essential tool for every writer's arsenal. Invest in this guide to learn a myriad of techniques that will help you draft your book from start to finish. Crafting plot twists and plot reveals Developing unreliable narrators Learning the difference between suspense and tension Recognizing the difference between antiheroes and villains (and how to develop them) Creating red herrings, MacGuffins, and other elements of misdirection Writing action and chase scenes Understanding the do's and don'ts of prologues Raising the stakes through compelling dialogue Building a solid pacing to create a powerful plot Hooking readers with a riveting opening We will also cover some of the coveted suspense techniques made famous by Alfred Hitchcock, Patricia Highsmith, Agatha Christie, and Arthur Conan Doyle. SPECIAL BONUS: This book contains an extensive ?GLOSSARY OF LITERARY TERMS? as well as classic and contemporary examples of suspense at its best. Plus, every chapter ends with either a checklist, grow tip, start-up exercise, or frequently asked question to help you complete your suspense story in half the time. So whether you're drafting your first novel or polishing your twentieth, Mastering the Art of Suspense: How to Write Legal Thrillers, Medical Mysteries, & Crime Fiction is a must-have for your keeper shelf. From the author of How to Craft a Killer Cozy Mystery and Poetic Justice.