The document discusses techniques for creating suspense in writing including using longer sentences when setting the scene, including scenes of suspense in timed writing, and making the reader feel scared. It recommends using a range of suspense techniques such as creepy noises, suspicious sights, calling out, increased heart rate and sweating. The document also suggests using non-linear story structures and the "Lewton Bus effect" to build suspense and engagement.
2. What are we learning?
Suspense?
Impact sentences
Creepy
noises/suspicious
sights
Calling
out/heart/sweating
3. Why are we learning ‘suspense’?
• Longer sentences
• Semi-colons; colons;
bracketing comma
Set the
scene: 6-8
lines
• Impact sentences
• Short (one-line) paragraphs
• This creates contrast
Last part of
story
4. How can I do well?
• Use a range of suspense techniques;
• Include scene of suspense in your timed
writing;
• Make the reader feel scared!
• By using longer sentences when setting the
scene, have a varied prose style;
• Create ‘spooky’ atmosphere when setting the
scene.
5. How can I be a clever-clog?
• Create a ‘Lewton bus’ effect
• Use a non-linear structure – a ‘flash forward’
(putting the end of a story at the ‘top’ of the
page, before ‘cutting back’ to the rest of the
story)
6. Learn more
• Visit http://www.baldworm.co.uk and read
about suspense and non-linear structures;
• Visit YouTube and watch ‘Bald Worm on
Suspense’;
• Download a copy of the ‘Bald Worm on
Suspense’ podcast from the pupil wiki and
listen to it on your iPod or computer.
