tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4393512822627120580.post6392547324595150182..comments2023-08-01T05:26:06.539-05:00Comments on Unicorn Bell: Keeping the reader hookedHuntresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08155372788872245758noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4393512822627120580.post-15751291303247058342011-07-09T09:20:24.311-05:002011-07-09T09:20:24.311-05:00It’s a matter of increasing the stakes, building c...It’s a matter of increasing the stakes, building conflict until the end of the chapter.<br /><br />For example, let’s say the tension level at the beginning of the chapter is a 4 out of 10. By the end of said chapter, you should build the conflict, whether by action or dialogue. That doesn’t mean a 9 or 10 but definitely, it must rise above that initial 4.<br /><br />Raise the level, the stakes, create discord to carry the story forward.<br /> <br />Cliffhangers aside – and I agree with you on Heroes, sheesh, what a waste of a good program – it is the protag’s stake in the game that keeps the reader turning pages, either by subtle methods or big bang.Huntresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08155372788872245758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4393512822627120580.post-87572828193942870612011-07-09T06:37:34.650-05:002011-07-09T06:37:34.650-05:00I have to disagree with this view. It's far be...I have to disagree with this view. It's far better in a book than in a TV series, but I hate it when shows do this; why would I want to do it to my reader? I actually stopped watching Heroes in mostly because of their constant dedication to doing exactly this. <br /><br />If I have written a good story, my reader will come back the next morning. Why shouldn't I give them a convenient place to take a break? Isn't that what chapters are for? Why not just get rid of chapters all together, if you are looking for a gimmick to keep them reading.<br /><br />I certainly don't mind some cliffhangers, but every chapter? That seems a bit much to me. It doesn't feel like you are working in a cooperative union with your reader. It's like getting a coupon that is only good on days that end in U.Jacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13923175310269099458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4393512822627120580.post-71500683317636721682011-07-08T04:34:07.749-05:002011-07-08T04:34:07.749-05:00Fantastic post - I shall bookmark it for later!
E...Fantastic post - I shall bookmark it for later!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.elliegarratt.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Ellie Garratt</a>Ellie Garratthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03731071128348213067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4393512822627120580.post-52985555037308518562011-07-07T20:51:44.122-05:002011-07-07T20:51:44.122-05:00I concur - mightily!I concur - mightily!mshatchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06308916014310536449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4393512822627120580.post-2109078400473370772011-07-07T15:28:54.206-05:002011-07-07T15:28:54.206-05:00Oooo, I just finished The Name of the Wind! Loved ...Oooo, I just finished The Name of the Wind! Loved it! and you are so right.Charity Bradfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01960821077619680661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4393512822627120580.post-29135794771110405102011-07-07T14:20:54.083-05:002011-07-07T14:20:54.083-05:00Near the top of my all-time-favorite list of books...Near the top of my all-time-favorite list of books is the series The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss.<br />He ends several of his chapters with rather blatant foreshadowing events. <br />"I thought he was harmless. I was a fool" is an example.<br />I cringe slightly (yes, it feels like blasphemy to say so), but it makes me turn the pages so fast that I nearly rip the books apart to get to the next chapter.Huntresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08155372788872245758noreply@blogger.com