How to Increase Tension in Your Novel

[@jatinbandhiwal1987]

Your channel is one of the best out there for writers.

[@VivienReis]

Aww, thank you so much!!

[@nabilamiah3814]

I agree, I love this channel

[@neghiethervil5606]

I subscribed based on your comment without even watching.

[@anindobagchi3408]

Not unexpectedly, I agree❤❤

[@Psychoh90]

agree !

[@kaitlyncleary3424]

I love how you give physical examples of writing. I love that.

[@KajsaBernhardina]

Yes I think that constantly allowing your reader to predict what’s going to happen, just to turn it completely upside down time and time again, causes tension because the reader will then be surprised more often and curious about where the story is going. Good video!

[@DanCreaMundos]

Well it's fair to say that the long description in the first point is useful if, for example, your character really needs to find something in her car as quickly as possible, then making it longer will help tension, because she's desperate to find it, and she can't, and something really bad will happen if she doesn't. That's what I love about writing, something that doesn't work in an specific aspect always work in a different one.

[@lucybrown4200]

In between tense scenes I like to add some comic relief.

[@genevaxo]

same

[@Mikeztarp]

Careful with those end-of-chapter cliffhangers. They can't be cheesy. You're essentially causing the reader to ask a question, and the answer needs to live up to the emotional investment the question created.

[@TimRG]

Very true. My rule of thumb is to break right before a reveal or immediately after a reveal. This helps prevent them from being cheesy.

[@tiffanynield6914]

but the best books have great cliffhangers but are so painfull to put down

[@Carbon2861996]

*sidaways look at J.J. Abrams*

[@Alishajoseph212]

@@tiffanynield6914 pll L L L Ll Pop

[@gamewriteeye769]

Mmhmm...

[@santanasg8445]

Loved this! Adding the tension right BEFORE the dramatic incident keep the readers at the edge of their seats and continuously turning the pages!!

[@godsoloved24]

I feel like you should put in some unnecessary details, because if you only put in relevant details, then readers who understand plot conventions will find your writing predictable.

[@TimRG]

I think this works better when writing a series. Providing details that maybe come important later, this way the reader has to try to figure out is necessary for this story and not. For stand alone novels, I think throwing in details about the world to make it feel more fleshed out can help as well. That isn't easy to do for beginners.

[@gabrielsouza8480]

I agree, though in my opinion even if said details are not strictly necessary to advance or foreshadow the plot they still should always have a purpose, like revealing or reinforcing an aspect of a character, for example. Which in itself can be a form of foreshadowing too.

[@emmaj8726]

Agreed. One of the ways J.K. Rowling foreshadows throughout the Harry Potter series is by lumping important details in with a list of seemingly unimportant objects. The first time Ginny’s diary is mentioned in The Chamber of Secrets, it’s in a list of things the Weasleys have forgotten at the Burrow on their way to King’s Cross that they then have to return for. Arguably the most important object within that entire book is introduced as part of a minor inconvenience.

[@reeck771]

*J.K. Rowling has joined the chat*

[@Uberdude6666]

Can't worldbuilding and to that end landscape descriptions also be nessesary details?

[@ryanmedina5090]

Thank you. I need to work on upping tension so much. This is good stuff. Also, your dog has an attitude. I love it!

[@ejwilly2309]

My novel is more character than plot driven so some of the scenes have very low tension naturally, thanks for a demonstration for how to give the illusion of tension

[@breianafrance8634]

Same here! Pretty low tension romance novel 😊

[@eatower2]

Had a chapter that I felt was really good content-wise, but something felt slow and off about it. There was a scene where two people are racing up a staircase, and when they reach the top they catch sight of something crazy going on in the distance. I just couldn't make it feel right until I saw this. I started speeding up the tempo as their race started, and by the time they saw the sight even my heart was racing the first time I read it. Good Tips, thanks!

[@aiya3130]

Hi! Thank you so much for putting together this video. I hadn't thought about the speed of the writing signaling to the reader that something significant is about to happen - that was so illuminating for me! If you don't mind my putting this out there - my degree is in psychology with a focus in personality, and for personality tests, I strongly recommend the Eysenck personality scales (a free and easy-to-complete version should come up on the first page of Google) or, if that proves hard to find, the Costa and McCrae OCEAN scale. The Myers-Briggs has some uses (it can sometimes be helpful for employee screenings, for example), but it was developed by two people with no background in psychology whatsoever, so not the most insightful for delving deep into someone's personality. It also divides people into binaries (no one is really just an introvert or just an extravert), which promotes black-and-white thinking, when in reality we all fall somewhere on a continuum. Hope this can be helpful for some people! :)

[@calliegrace98]

There can never be enough videos on tension. Thank you for this! I love to write end of chapter cliffhangers.Especially when a big reveal is on it’s way.

[@greylarkspur]

This was really helpful thanks!! I think one of my favorite ways to increase stress is to give the mc some kind of danger that they know about, even live with, but are forced for one reason or another to do nothing about it- maybe they need the dangerous person for something or they become oddly attached to this person even though they may be fatal to be around.

[@Sofia-kw9wq]

00:38 the fact that I read over 200 pages (out of 304) from The Endless Lake (Book #5 in the Survivors series by Erin Hunter) today😩

[@alayamcgill7166]

Your videos are extremely helpful and ENGAGING!!

[@Zn0ZY]

Damn I love these videos. Really hope they stuck in my head, so I use them when I will finally begin writing. I got my Scriviner filled with the details about characters, world and main plot, I even wrote a decent second version of a prologue. But there is so much to it already that I really want to be careful with approaching even the first chapter cause there are so many details I want to include, but know for a fact it won't be good to just dump information. It is my first novel ever and I am really trying to organize everything. Anyways, thanks for the videos, tension is also a topic I've been thinking about lately, among other things:)

[@thebordemz]

I find, actually, that Dan Brown builds tension so well. Something about his writing holds my attention so well.

[@KajsaBernhardina]

Palmer Toews Yes and his novels are very fast-paced and heavy on conflict and mystery, it’s a great recipe for tension!

[@thebordemz]

Bernhardina Hörnstein So right! And he knows just when to switch characters or end a chapter.

[@annienorthbooks]

Such a great video, Vivien! I made the mistake of writing in scenes instead of chapters. This is a really big issue because I try to wrap up each scene nicely, so I don't build tension. I'll definitely need to work on that in my next draft and will pay more attention to actually writing chapters in the future.

[@erinmcknight405]

My favorite way to stress a reader out is to pull the rug out from under them. I love a chapter ending that hits them out of nowhere. I throw in a little glimpse or hint early in the chapter, and then I let it hit them like a mack truck.

[@sunsetxsong]

Vivien, this video helped me so much. I'm a "fast writer" (thanks to my day job) and I need to practice ways to get more into my character's head to improve the story. Thank you for sharing examples. I'll be working on my scenes with the advice you gave here :)

[@VivienReis]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@WriteHollyDavis]

Thanks for the great examples! I love writing end of chapter cliffhangers, they're the best. :)

[@patscorner7183]

To be or not to be

[@robribant6716]

following advice like this is like being in a band and all you do is cover songs. By the time you write your own music it all sounds like Van Halen and Journey. Know what i'm sayun!!

[@TimRG]

Vivien, another great video. I'm very familiar on tension and I got a few interesting tidbits to try out now. Always great to learn something new on a topic you've thought you knew oh so well. Thanks again. Keep up the great content.

[@TonyThomas10000]

Very proud of your channel development and growth. When are you going to write a book for writers?

[@aaliyahlevasseur9782]

I always give a hint to a big event happening, through my main characters dreams but end the chapter like that 😂 I find my readers on Inkitt hate when I do it but like you said it keeps them coming back

[@LucyAtogoh-uh8on]

Ideally love this explanations

[@sandramalone3522]

Love the way you explain things. Thank you.

[@Zachomara]

I'm almost subscribed to you. I just binged 3 of your episodes.

[@makelifeholistic]

I just came across your channel. Thanks for your hints and they sound very practical and helpful. Best wishes in your writing career. Thanks.

[@writeitdown2013]

I think Notes on a Scandal is a good example of what you're talking about here, great video

[@lowercase_ash]

HI! A tip that I want to hand out: A lotta times people will talk about developing your characters and mention things like Hogwarts houses, personality tests, interviews and whatnot. Those things can be very helpful! But I think that there's some things that are essential to know about your character. What do they want? If your character doesn't want anything, they're just there. They need to *need* something. Figuring this out first is going to make a lot of stuff so much easier. Then you can ask why they want it. This can branch off into backstory, personality, virtues and a lot more. Figuring out what your character wants is going to help a lot. If you're confused, just go ahead and reply. Not sure if I explained it well :D

[@breianafrance8634]

Love this response!

[@TheLostSoul0]

I apologise that this question may not be entirely relevant to this current video, but it's something I've been struggling with for several years as a writer. And that is having a writing-focused social network (a relatively small and intimate one, so as to promote healthy workshops and discussions, but still a network). So my question is: have you ever been a part of a writer's group, either in person or online? And, if so, how did you go about connecting with them to become part of the group? And, if not, would you still have any advice on how to seek or form one?

[@christinekaye6393]

You may have already found a group, but here are my thoughts. I have been attending a writers' group for years and am now the moderator. We meet at a public library and some people finds us by asking the librarian. Also, we are listed with a regional writers/poets newsletter. Writers' groups vary in size (ours has 6 +/-) as well as temperament of critiques; some are cut-throat, others more careful of writers' sensibilities, esp. newbees.

[@luciancorvus9992]

Found some good resourceful advice in this .. thx. Apropos examples would be Anne Rice's "The Witching Hour" when Michael is reading the Talamasca File on the Mayfair's and the story breaks away to Rowan's situation. Oh the temptation!! I would lend this book to ladyfriends for a rainyday read with the admonishment not to call me to ask where the story went. Filled up the memory cap. on my phone messaging with pleas & curses! She also did the tension bugger in "Ramses The Damned" . With my current project I'm experimenting with the "sprint chapter" concept John Steinbeck developed in "The Grapes Of Wrath". Cheers & productive writing to everyone!

[@genevaxo]

Omg i needed this!

[@findlayj6607]

The links that you've listed have been so helpful. I was beginning to think that my story would have no hope even though i still enjoyed writing. Thanks again!

[@gdrgnswife]

Thanks for the advice💖

[@Readinforever]

Love your shirt it is so pretty.

[@cynthiagaudino9272]

loved the info... thank you

[@SleepParty30]

I've known my characters for slightly over six years and I still haven't finished my book. I want it to be perfect. I'm a busy guy, but I'm almost finished with it.

[@owningmediocricy6487]

your videos are so helpful to me. Thank you. I'm learning so much stuff I didn't know I needed to learn.

[@danieljackson654]

Your dog freaked my dog out. My dog does the same thing. After I work or Zoom for a period of time that Max thinks is too much, he begins to shake the desk, get on my back; if I'm talking by Zoom, he commandeers the field of view. ENOUGH, he barks. I'm relieved to see this behavior is not unique; apparently common to writers' dogs everywhere.

[@vasanthkumar3685]

I always wonder what makes me to turn the page while reading a novel and to watch next episode of the Netflix....

[@abidjan8892]

Great methods. Keep it up. I watch you and return to my novel.

[@harleykaruliscreativity7467]

Thanks for the great information! Great channel

[@mickeymiles9394]

This is such a good video!!! OMGosh just what I needed too!! I am in the process of rewriting a manuscript where I tell a lot vs show. You have given me the tools I need to fix that. Thanks!!! :)

[@thestoryweaver]

Squeeeee!! I've been waiting for this video. 😊😊😊

[@thomasray]

Every video! I love every one! This one, I must say, was amazing.

[@EvieReddingWrites]

This is a great video. I don’t know why, but I almost never get notifications on your videos even though I clicked the bell. So I’m trying to re-subscribe to notification to see if this help. Keep up the awesome work

[@VivienReis]

Thank you!! Several people have told me that today. I'll have to make a mini announcement everywhere about that stupid bell and figure out what's going on lol

[@h.r.calvaria566]

Liked it. Watched it. LOVED IT. I'd like to watch more tips! What about a structured/technical analysis of a chapter? Like characters' presentation (what to describe less, what more), information flow (when it is too much when it is not enough?) How rich (mostly rich of what) a chapter should be, besides the fact it has to move the plot? I think Vivien may give some valuable insights. Thanks anyways.

[@ivansix666]

Some really insightful stuff

[@tokyoanimeseven]

Sis that was totally helpful for a newbie writer like me, Thanks.

[@poetics_pi]

thank you🙏💙

[@kaitlyncleary3424]

As a reader, I hate when the writer leaves us on such a great cliff hanger. I get mad and pissed then I get the next book. I mean it works but hell I wanna know what happens next. Haha

[@naomiuchiha0906]

Thank you for making examples, it really helped💕

[@RedWizardFox]

Your examples are always so fricken amazing and I'm always 100% jealous.

[@tjdecena4477]

Thank You for uploading this, I am learning a lot from you! Cheers!

[@VivienReis]

I'm so happy to hear this! Glad you're enjoying my content 😄

[@venihiam1591]

Leaving weather or not a character died open ended by ending the chapter right when they're going to fight for their life

[@gracielaaudrey2400]

I love love love ur vids! You posted this at the exact time I need it! Thanks so much for all your tips! ❤❤

[@Patricio4Christ]

Interested in taking notes from this...

[@layneclarke1035]

I would just like to say I have learned a lot from you thanks.

[@natalieanna6083]

Great advice Vivien! Love your videos! X

[@cadencev5572]

This is so HELPFUL.

[@aisadal2521]

So glad this was in my recommended 😍

[@biggusbeardus]

Hey! I don't see any videos less than a year old. I hope all is well. Thanks for the advice.

[@logan_1478]

Stress readers out by either pausing after a conflict so the reader wants to see the response or simply having calm emotional moments that show the reader the setting and/or nearby event/plot twist will significantly affect the story

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

Good...

[@mariamzainalabidin8359]

Your vid is so helpful.. Thank you!!

[@8mycake244]

Not prose but scene: It's snowing. Woman walks out to her car parked on the street. She sees a figure twenty yards in front of her, watching her. She can't make out the figure through the falling snow. She goes to put her key into the ignition, fumbles the keys, drops them. She leans down to find the keys. She fumbles and searches, finally grasping them. When she sits up, the figure is gone. She looks in all directions. Nothing. She glances out the window to her right and sees footprints in the snow leading past her car. She panics and STARTS THE CAR and drives to the end of the block. She stops. She looks back. She gets out. She follows the foorprints in the snow. They lead to the door of her apartment. She desperately looks around trying to find footprints moving away from her apartment. There are none. Now what? You've built tension that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with her starting the damned car. Now what? Building stress: She opens the door to her aprtment slightly. She leans toward the opening. "Hello." Silence. "Hello!" Silence. And then, somewhere towards the middle of her apartment, a floor board creaks. She slams the door and runs back to her car and drives away. Now what?

[@JPCorwyn]

Hey there. :D Just stubmled on your channel. I'm an adult Fantasy novelist at the beginning of his career, and I'm legally blind. I've seen a few videos now, and I have to tell you that, as a BlindGuy(tm) your descriptions of, well, "description" - the nuts and bolts stuff, I mean - is pretty much second to none. :D You're a hero to my ppl. :D Subed, obv. :D ~JP Corwyn

[@FEV369]

I think writing about goblins is a great way to keep people reading... Do you think six books in a series would be enough time to cover goblins rise and fall?

[@lucidreclamation1323]

So uh.... I hate it when people dislike such goods videos! Again, it makes me agitated.

[@jambtsa1999]

Stunning young lady!

[@lillianinspace]

I feel guilty for doing bad stuff to my characters :/

[@MrLGDUK]

Let your bad characters do that stuff to hurt the ones you like, then the bad characters can carry the guilt and you can punish them when the time is right.

[@IzziandTeddy]

keira is so cute!

[@NicoleCChoque]

Haha just saw you Instagram story and went to watch you new vid... Bam! 4hours and 1k+ views. (Isn't always like that? It should be or better. 😊) Good job everyone! 😋 👍💟 Good video Vivien! 😁

[@VivienReis]

Thank you!! I'm hoping this won't be a repeat issue!

[@mikezink4597]

Vivien, Love your work as I am trying to start my novel but don't know how to come up with 60,000 plus words from just a simple idea. Any Suggestions????????Thanks

[@Readinforever]

I love to have a best friend become the villain or have the main character's love interest come close to death.

[@keithcarey6312]

Could you follow this up with more examples?

[@JulianGreystoke]

I miss the doggos

[@nainem.4148]

very interesting

[@wellimherenow4197]

Is it acceptable to make many conflicts in a story? I have a story with many climaxes and I just wanna know if its okay as long as the climaxes are separated between chapters and stuff

[@miaveranika30]

I love you guys

[@godzilla8878]

I am writing a book with my best friend

[@godzilla8878]

I am 11 she is 10 her Bday day is 5 jan mine is 25 July

[@infilit4915]

Damn this is helpfull

[@Denvercoder]

You should have a billion subscribers.

[@hannahtamzar3921]

Thnx (:

[@theatheistpaladin]

Your dog talks to you! XD

[@darzimus]

Lol dogs are amazing.

[@zubaerchaudhari8267]

Vickie Reis I really alway love to subscribe your cool channel

[@kohlcooke8789]

I like to increase tension by killing off major characters and showing that no one is safe and anyone could be killed off at any time after their arcs are complete.

[@williamlewin9610]

Can I use business names in a real life book ?

[@gracielaaudrey2400]

Im 65th

[@haleyallred1237]

What do you suggest for a new writer dealing with editing? I’m working on my novel halfway through it, but I’m scared after i finish I won’t really know how to edit good and what to take out and keep in.

[@Zn0ZY]

I'm not a writer myself, but maybe to leave your work for some weeks and then come back to it with "fresh eyes" will help to see what you want to change. It helped me with some "smaller works"

[@haleyallred1237]

Zn0ZY maybe I’ll try that thank you! 👍🏻

[@Zn0ZY]

You're welcome:) Good luck

[@zhaner3870]

Oh so she just went on the car.

[@kyro-jaxxsonofkosmos23]

the thumbnail for this video lol. so. much. tension.

[@chrimoram]

hey viven reis my name Christopher alan moram I love this video and I want to know how to increase action

[@Drathaar01]

I signed up for the course newsletter and never got a confirmation email.

[@VivienReis]

Did you check your spam?

[@Drathaar01]

I did, not there either.

[@Drathaar01]

I tried an alternate email and didn't get a confirmation there either :(

[@VivienReis]

Just checked, both of your emails are on the list! So you should definitely get future emails. I'll try to see if it's an issue with my provider. Thanks for letting me know!

[@Drathaar01]

Ok, cool. I won't miss out then. I rarely check the ukr.net one though. So you can remove that if you wish. No sense in you paying for an extra address.

[@rodrigorago3062]

It’s really hard for me to focus on what you’re saying cause i get destructed by your beautiful eyes and how beautiful you are. Just saying 😅. Anyway I’m so happy with all I’ve been learning from your channel. More power

[@evelynsierra2004]

Maria's eyes are wide open, as she watches her son get crucified. Tears race down her face, She's crying really hard.