One Way To Write A Suspense Novel
By
Russ Heitz
Sooner or later, most newsletters for writers develop a column about writing techniques: how-to-do this, how-to-do that. Since I’ve been writing both as a paid staff writer and as a professional freelancer for more years than I care to admit, and have in the process published two suspense novels. I thought it might be helpful to present a few of the novel-writing techniques, processes and procedures that work for me. John, our Alpha Wolf(Fox), agreed that such a column might be of interest to his readers so let’s give it a whirl.
Every writer has his or her own writing processes and procedures --whether he or she writes suspense, mysteries, science fiction, romance, chick-lit, mainstream, or any other genre of fiction. And every writer must develop those processes and procedures himself. He does this by taking writing courses and workshops, by joining and getting feedback from writers groups, by studying how other writers construct their stories, and then by practicing the various techniques that he has learned. At some point the writer can then determine which techniques work for him, which ones he feels most comfortable with, which ones are the most effective.
If a writer (you) do this long enough, and with enough diligence and practice, you will eventually develop your OWN procedure for writing a novel. Since I specialize in suspense novels at the moment, I will concentrate on that particular genre in this series, although most of these suggestions can apply to any genre. All I can do, however, is share with you how I write a suspense novel. The rest will be up to you.
Here are a few of the subjects I’ll be covering in the following issues.
- Where do you get your ideas for a novel?
- How do you know which genre is right for you?
- How do you choose a setting?
- What about “theme” and “symbolism?”
- What is “pacing” and how do you create and sustain it?
- What is “conflict”?
If this series is helpful and generates any interest I’ll add some additional topics such as characters, dialogue, names, autobiographical materials, outlines, subplots, POVs, and a few of the countless other details that a writer must consider in the development of any novel, in any genre.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome and can be sent to me either through Fox & Quill or through my own website, www.russheitz.com.
Russ Heitz
Author of:
Crosshairs
Dying In Deer Country
"How this idea came to be"
First, I have to thank the Florida Writer's Association for sharing such fine authors from their group that have adopted in no small way the Fox&Quill. We also share a common cause in our love of writing to which these series of articles will come.
We are going to get back to basics and start talking about the written word and how to communicate as scribes, scholars, and people with opinion and stories to tell.
Russ has graciously kicked the first ball into the court. It is now up to us to fill the stands with fans. Blow our own Vuvuzelas and create our own world cup.
