A few unexpected twists or surprises can make a story come alive. A few novels begin with an unusual twist. Many good novels end that way.

Aug 11, 2008 - Vickie Britton

Everyone knows that Agatha Christie is the Queen of Mystery, but few seem to recall the spine-tingling works of American suspense authoress Mary Roberts Rinehart.

Nov 23, 2009 - Laura Briggs

Romantic suspense combines the romance novel's character emphasis and the mystery novel's plot development with the positive ending that is expected in both genres.

Apr 16, 2009 - Carol Thomas

Hooking the reader is a simple as starting the first chapter mid-action and creating suspense - questions that the reader wants answered. Examples follow.

Nov 27, 2011 - James Parsons

Everyone knows what it feels like to race against the clock: the rush of adrenaline; the fear of not making the deadline. So... add this to a book's plot to hook readers!

Nov 16, 2009 - Marg McAlister

With one episode left in the season Dexter is even more exciting and suspenseful than ever.

Dec 6, 2009 - Chaz Holmes

Bestselling author Catherine Mann takes readers to Alaska where one hunky para-rescue man attempts to save a woman who doesn't want to be rescued.

Jun 24, 2011 - Jessica Hastings

Building tension and character conflict in Reservation Road leads the audience on an unforgettable journey of heartache, despair, and redemption. Put these tips to use!

Feb 23, 2009 - Aric Mitchell

When a factory worker is accused of murder and sabotage, he goes on the run across the United States to find the real criminals and to clear his name.

Nov 2, 2010 - Mary Rayme

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown is very similar to previous books he's written, but despite the similar storyline, it's worth holding on for the shocking twist at the end.

Jan 23, 2010 - Kristen Nichols

The Washington Post's 30-day suspension of sports columnist Mike Wise is a lesson in posting a false item and underestimating the impact of social networks.

Sep 4, 2010 - John Seidenberg

Evil twins, amnesia victims and multiple personalities are examples of overused and overworked plot Ideas that editors have come to dread.

Nov 15, 2011 - Vickie Britton

Eon Productions decision to suspend production of Bond 23 echoes the problems facing the franchise after Licence to Kill in 1989.

Apr 20, 2010 - Kevin Sturton

Often described as film noir, My Name Is Julia Ross is more an atmospheric, gothic style movie. It is also an example of how to make an excellent "B" film.

Apr 18, 2010 - John K. Davis

When writing for TV, there are techniques that can be used when writing narrative. This article explains them all, and how they can be used.

Jul 27, 2010 - Shaun Edwards

Here are eight steps to help construct your mystery

Apr 27, 2007 - T. Robinson

Horror isn't a genre, it's an emotion and to write good horror, you need to fill your readers with despair and keep them on the edge of their seats.

May 30, 2010 - Marianne Podgorski

A simple guide providing creative writing techniques, tips, and exercises, that will help aspiring writers in every genre from poetry to fiction and beyond.

Sep 23, 2010 - Hugo Crispim

Cliffhangers build suspension, create tension, or elicit an emotional reaction that can prevent readers from stopping at the end of the chapter.

Aug 26, 2009 - Tara McClendon

A successful storyteller has mastered the art of getting the reader to turn the page.

Jan 2, 2009 - Debbie Roome