Final answer:
To make writing suspenseful, emphasize the core tension to be resolved, use descriptive sensory details, and structure dialogue and action effectively. Arranging vignettes thoughtfully can increase impact while reading aloud helps refine sentence balance and rhythm for maximum suspense.
Step-by-step explanation:
Making your writing suspenseful involves creating tension and anticipation for what will happen next. One way to cultivate suspense is by establishing a core tension that the story will resolve, thus engaging the readers and keeping them invested in the narrative. Consider this tension as the driving force that will progress the plot and ultimately be addressed in the climax of your story.
Sensory details, dialogue, and action are essential elements to transport readers into the world of your story. Use strong, vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses, craft dialogue that reveals character and heightens tension, and describe action in a way that propels the story forward. Showcasing small scenes or vignettes can effectively illustrate these elements and should be ordered in a way that maximizes impact and maintains the suspense.
Reading your draft aloud is a particularly effective way to assess the balance and rhythm of your writing. This practice can help you identify areas where sentences can be combined for richer meaning without compromising the suspense or making revealing dialogue or action less realistic.
In summary, by focusing on tension, sensory details, dialogue, action, and the careful structuring of your narrative, you can engage readers and create suspense in your writing.