How to Write Stories That Keep Readers Interested

Learn the secret techniques to build suspense and keep your friends and family hooked on every word of your stories.

1. Start with a mystery. Instead of saying 'Once upon a time,' start with something strange. Try starting in the middle of an action, like 'The key didn't fit the lock, but the door was already swinging open.' This makes the reader ask 'Why?' immediately.
2. Give your character a big goal. Every hero needs something they want, like finding a lost treasure or getting home before dinner. If your character wants something badly, the reader will want to see if they get it.
3. Add a bump in the road. Make sure things don't go perfectly for your character. If they are trying to cross a river, maybe the bridge is broken. These problems are called 'conflict,' and they keep the story moving.
4. End your chapters on a cliffhanger. Stop your writing right when something exciting is about to happen. This makes the reader want to turn the page to find out what happens next.