What makes thrillers so entertaining? For many people, it’s the action sequences while others are enthralled by the plot itself and the characters that deserve their sympathies. Whichever the case, everyone enjoys a good thriller, but the work that goes into creating an entertaining and intriguing story can be hectic.
Still, the challenges of writing a thriller novel shouldn’t discourage you from trying it out in the first place. You just need to follow the right steps and learn the principles for crafting a story and becoming the next Tom Clancy or Ian Rankin. Here’s a guide to help you through the process.
1. Know the elements of a thriller
Before you get into writing your first book, you need to know the characteristics and ingredients used for writing a fantastic thriller novel. For the most part, thrillers are defined by dark and controversial subject matter around crime, political conspiracies, and mysteries. Apart from picking a good theme, you should also look at the common tropes that keep readers involved. These many include cliffhangers, femme Fatales, and highly intelligent villains. The best way to learn how to incorporate these elements is by reading titles from the masters of the genre, including Stieg Larsson, Dean Koontz, and Daphne Du Maurier.
2. Identify what’s at risk
When developing a plot for a great thriller, you need to know what hangs in the balance. For instance, your character could be on the run after being framed for a murder, so they must clear their name by uncovering the real culprit. Plot points like this can help keep readers on their toes as they expect the protagonist to triumph.
3. Make it action-oriented
A thriller is a genre that uses actions to push the narrative forward. Your goal is to make your readers feel like they are in the middle of the action. Be descriptive by using strong verbs and describing the environment where action sequences take place. You should also know how to write a fight scene that keeps your readers hooked until the end.
4. Add a touch of drama and tragedy
Another way you can write a great thriller novel is to make the situation emotionally and physically harder for the protagonist. Put them in hopeless situations which can give them a sense of purpose. For instance, the death of a loved one is also a familiar trope in the genre. Not only does it build empathy around the character, but it also pushes them further towards their end goal.
5. Keep building the suspense
Suspense is the secret sauce to a thriller novel, but it can be challenging to maintain up until the climax of the story. For this, you will need to know what to remove plot points that could slow the story down. To make the process easier, consider using tools like Scrivener to help you organize your ideas, identify plot holes, and deal with occasional writer’s blocks.
Writing a thriller novel could become your gateway to literary stardom. Consider these tips as you sit down and craft a story that could trigger a demand for a sequel - or a recurring series.