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Comprehensive writing mechanics and process
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Module 11
Tension, Momentum, and Reader Psychology
1
Upping the Stakes: Adding External Tension
Layer external tension in a scene by introducing a tangible threat, obstacle, or deadline.
2
Heightening Internal Stakes
Layer internal tension by highlighting a character's doubt, fear, or moral conflict about their actions.
3
Creating Conflict Through Character Goals and Values
Layer interpersonal tension by staging a conflict of goals or values between characters.
4
Driving Scene Momentum
Sustain momentum by ensuring each scene asks a new question or complicates an existing one.
5
Cliffhanger Crafting for Maximum Curiosity
Analyze the strategic placement of cliffhangers to maximize reader curiosity.
6
Strategic Pauses: Managing Emotional Pacing
Analyze the placement of 'breathing space' scenes to manage emotional pacing after high-tension sequences.
Suspense vs. Surprise
Distinguish between suspense (the reader anticipates a known danger) and surprise (an unexpected event occurs).
8
Pacing Information to Optimize Learning
Manage cognitive load by controlling the rate of new information introduced to the reader.
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Prose Engineering: Sentence and Paragraph
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Revision and Diagnostic Analysis