How do you not put your reader to sleep?
By creating tension. The mind loves tension. Oh… it loves it so very much.
Tension captures their attention and keeps them emotionally invested. This is why we couldn’t stop watching The Breaking Bad or 3 body problem
How do you create this tension though?
One way is to use anticipation lines.
What are anticipation lines?
Anticipation lines are the lines… that… ummm… create anticipation. It’s a line that tells you that something bad is about to happen. And when something bad is going to happen, the reader’s curiosity gets the better of him, and he continues to read.
Here’s an example –
My friend Rohan and I were excited about our road trip to Goa. As we got into his car and started playing some Led Zeppelin, I relaxed in my seat. “This trip is going to be awesome,” I thought. Little did I know what was going to unfold next…
See what I did there with the last line?
Little did I know what was going to unfold next…
My anticipation line has now hooked you. You want to know more. And if I do my job well, you can’t sleep that night without wanting to know what happens next.
Another example –
My entire family had to travel to Nepal for my wedding. This was one of the most important days in my life and I was anxious for everything to happen smoothly. Fortunately, everything seemed to go well. Until we reached the Pune airport.
“Until we reached the Pune airport.”
Over to you, now. Create tension and anticipation. The readers would love you for it.