Writing a story that emphasizes suspense involves creating tension, mystery, and anticipation, keeping readers eager to know what will happen next. Here are some strategies to help you write a suspenseful story:

1. Start with a Strong Hook

Begin your story with a gripping moment or an intriguing mystery that immediately draws readers in. This could be:

• A shocking event or discovery.
• An unsettling question.
• An unexplained action or incident.

For example:

• “The lights flickered, and Sarah realized she wasn’t alone in the house.”

2. Introduce a High-Stakes Problem

Introduce a conflict or problem that puts something significant at risk—whether it’s a character’s life, reputation, or a cherished goal. The reader should feel that the outcome of this conflict is crucial.

For instance:

• “Tom had only six hours to find the evidence or his sister would disappear forever.”

3. Control the Pacing

Suspense is built through careful pacing. Use short sentences and scenes during intense moments to create urgency. In contrast, slow the pace in calmer scenes to build tension before something happens. This ebb and flow will keep readers on edge.

• Short, choppy sentences: “He ran. Footsteps behind him. Closer. Too close.”
• Slower build-up: “The room was silent, except for the ticking of the clock. Her eyes darted to the window—was that a shadow moving?”

4. Keep Secrets from the Reader

Withhold key information to create mystery. Reveal details slowly to build tension. You can let the reader know something the character doesn’t or keep both the reader and character in the dark until the right moment.

For example:

• The character finds a cryptic note but doesn’t know who sent it, and neither does the reader: “I know your secret. Meet me at midnight.”

5. Use Cliffhangers

End chapters or scenes with unresolved situations to compel the reader to keep turning pages. This keeps the suspense alive as the reader wonders what will happen next.

• “The door creaked open, and she saw something that made her gasp, but before she could react…”

6. Create Uncertainty

Suspense thrives on uncertainty. Keep the reader guessing by introducing multiple possible outcomes or threats. Misdirection is key—lead your reader down one path, then twist the story unexpectedly.

• Introduce a seemingly helpful character who turns out to have sinister motives.
• Give clues that point to one suspect, only to reveal a different culprit.

7. Raise the Stakes Gradually

As the story progresses, the stakes should get higher. The closer the protagonist gets to solving the problem, the more complicated or dangerous the situation should become. This gradual increase in tension keeps the reader hooked.

• First, the protagonist is being followed. Then, they discover someone has broken into their house. Finally, they realize their phone is being tracked.

8. Build Relatable Characters with Flaws

Readers should care about your characters, especially the protagonist. Give them relatable flaws or vulnerabilities so the reader roots for them. If readers are emotionally invested in the character’s fate, the suspense will have a much greater impact.

For instance:

• A detective trying to solve a case while battling personal demons like alcoholism or guilt over a past mistake.

9. Use a Dark or Unsettling Setting

Setting can enhance the feeling of suspense. Isolate your characters in a place that feels dangerous or unfamiliar. Descriptions of weather, light, sound, and atmosphere can add layers of tension.

• A stormy night, a creaky abandoned house, or a dense forest are all classic settings that evoke suspense.

10. Leave Some Questions Unanswered

At the end of the story, you don’t always have to answer every single question. Leaving some ambiguity can heighten the sense of mystery and keep readers thinking about the story long after they’ve finished it.

• A phone rings as the protagonist walks away, and the story ends before they answer it. Who could it be?

Example of Suspense in a Story:

Here’s a brief example illustrating some of these points:

Lisa’s hands trembled as she reached for the doorknob. The strange noise had come from the other side—she was sure of it. But now, everything was quiet, too quiet. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Darkness swallowed the room, except for a faint glow from the window. Was someone there? Her pulse quickened. Something moved in the corner, a shadow, faint but real. “Who’s there?” she whispered, stepping back. The floor creaked behind her. She spun around but saw no one. Heart pounding, Lisa realized with chilling certainty—she wasn’t alone.

In this short scene:

• There’s uncertainty about the noise and whether someone is in the room.
• The setting is dark and quiet, creating an eerie atmosphere.
• Pacing is slow at first, but it quickens as tension builds.
• The scene ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wanting more.

By incorporating these techniques, you can create a story rich with suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.