From the course: Writing: The Craft of Story

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Example: Suspense and conflict

Example: Suspense and conflict

From the course: Writing: The Craft of Story

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Example: Suspense and conflict

- What grabs the reader is a sense of impending conflict, which means the writer's goal is to create an ongoing air of suspense. With that in mind, imagine you're reading a crime thriller. You're a chapter or two into it when you come across this scene. - [Writer] Val is searching for her roommate Enid who's hours late coming home. After canvassing the neighborhood, she reluctantly knocks on the door of her new neighbor, Homer, shows him a photo of Enid, and asks if he's seen her. He says, "No," but seeing how worried Val is, he invites her in for a soothing cup of herbal tea. Realizing she's probably blowing the whole thing out of proportion, and that Homer's really cute, Val accepts. Over two steaming mugs, Homer reassures Val, suggesting that Enid probably just decided to visit a friend, nothing to worry about. Half an hour later, Val leaves feeling relieved and wondering whether Homer is single. - Val's mood arcs during the scene. She…

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