So this will be the final post of 2006, a year that saw the birth of the book — and this blog. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement, correction, and advice. I’ll need more of it in 2007. And get ready for some new features, including “Writing Tools: The Musical!”
But not before we discuss this writing tool: To build suspense, slow the reader down with a series of short sentences.
Ben Montgomery does this with skill in the story of a high school football championship game. Ben watches the match with zealous Tampa fans holed up in a local saloon. Here’s the lead:
Fourth quarter. Three minutes left. Nease High just went up 21-17 on Robert Marve and the boys from Plant.
I watched the game on television, and it had a thrilling conclusion. Throughout this brief narrative, Ben uses two strategies of delay, which only heightens the suspense. He uses quotes from fans (“South Tampa people,” says Marc, “have a sense of pride.”) And he uses a series of short sentences, such as:
Complete pass. Again. Clock’s ticking. Again. Down the field they go. The kid can’t miss. The Panthers are nearing the end zone….The whole place is on its feet. Ball’s on the 5-yard line. Marve takes the snap. Drops back. Throws.
All those periods are stop signs. They slow the reader down. Way down. Leaving the reader in suspense. Until the very last moment. When we learn…
Sorry. You’ll have to read Ben’s story to find out.
When you read it, you will recognize another powerful narrative tool: Begin the story as late in the chronology as possible. Ben does not begin this tale with the fans arrival at the bar, or at the beginning of the game, but with the final dramatic three minutes.
If you want to see more examples of Ben’s work, check out his cool writing Web site: Gangrey.com.
Until 2007, remember that the book version of “Writing Tools” makes a great holiday gift. Cheers. And keep writing.
