A short guide to writing thrillers

Thrillers are a popular and enduring genre in literature. They are characterized by suspense, tension, and excitement. Whether it's a psychological thriller, a crime thriller, or a political thriller, the key to writing a successful thriller is to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

This article explores the external content genre of thrillers. It provides guidance on when to choose the thriller genre, discusses its conventions, and identifies obligatory scenes.

What is the thriller genre?

The thriller genre is a type of fiction that typically involves high stakes and danger, with a focus on suspense and tension. Thrillers can be found in a variety of mediums, such as books, movies, and TV shows. They often include elements of mystery, crime, and psychological drama.

The thriller genre is one of the external content genres, which focuses on the external conflicts and events that drive the story. Understanding the external content genre helps you develop stories that meet reader expectations and deliver a satisfying experience.

When to choose the thriller genre

The thriller genre is an excellent choice for writers who want to create a tense, fast-paced story with high stakes and a strong sense of suspense. If you enjoy exploring complex plots, twists and turns, and putting your protagonist in dangerous and suspenseful situations, the thriller genre may be a perfect fit for you.

Conventions of the thriller genre

The thriller genre is characterized by several key conventions:

• High stakes: Thrillers typically involve life-or-death situations or significant consequences for the protagonist and other characters.
• Suspense: The key to a successful thriller is maintaining a sense of suspense and tension throughout the story.
• Pacing: Thrillers generally have a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next.
• Plot twists: Unexpected twists and turns are a staple of the thriller genre, adding to the suspense and keeping readers guessing.
• Protagonist in danger: The protagonist often faces significant threats or danger, requiring them to use their wits and resourcefulness to survive.
• Antagonist: A powerful and often mysterious antagonist serves as the primary obstacle for the protagonist.
• Foreshadowing: Subtle hints and clues throughout the story help build tension and anticipation.

Obligatory scenes of the thriller genre

There are certain scenes that readers expect to encounter in a thriller novel:

• Inciting incident: The story begins with an event that thrusts the protagonist into the central conflict and sets the plot in motion.
• Discovery of the antagonist: The protagonist becomes aware of the antagonist and the threat they pose.
• First major setback: The protagonist encounters a significant setback or obstacle, raising the stakes and increasing tension.
• The protagonist's lowest point: The protagonist faces a moment of crisis, where they feel defeated or overwhelmed by the antagonist.
• Climactic confrontation: The protagonist and antagonist face off in a suspenseful and high-stakes confrontation, where the outcome is uncertain.
• Resolution: The story concludes with a resolution of the main conflict, often involving the protagonist overcoming the antagonist and achieving their goal.

Tips for writing a compelling thriller story

To craft an exciting and suspenseful thriller, consider the following tips:

• Develop a gripping premise that immediately hooks readers, making them eager to uncover the story's mysteries.
• Create complex and intriguing characters with unique motivations, secrets, and backstories that contribute to the overall tension.
• Build suspense by incorporating plot twists, red herrings, and unexpected revelations that keep readers guessing until the very end.
• Craft a fast-paced narrative with high stakes and a sense of urgency, propelling readers through the story.
• Utilize atmospheric settings and sensory details to create a tense and unsettling atmosphere that heightens the reader's emotional experience.
• Balance action and psychological tension, combining physical confrontations with the characters' inner struggles and fears.
• Pay close attention to pacing, ensuring that the story's intensity is maintained without overwhelming the reader.
• Write compelling dialogue that reveals character relationships, conflicts, and emotions, while also advancing the plot.

Writing a thriller requires a strong understanding of the genre's conventions and obligatory scenes, as well as the talent for creating suspense and tension. To create a thrilling story that keeps readers hooked from start to finish, carefully craft your plot, develop engaging and resourceful characters, and maintain a fast pace. As you explore the thriller genre, remember to be original, take risks, and push the boundaries of what's possible. With dedication and skill, you can contribute to the rich tradition of thriller literature and create a terrifyingly captivating story.

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References

1. Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.

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