In my manuscript, the MC is hiding out and training, while the villain is travelling closer and closer. I’m working on putting short sections of his POV in to keep the tension up. Any advice for doing this?
thanks!
I like the idea that the reader feels the tension mounting through the antagonist’s impending arrival. I would suggest using these scenes so that the reader better understands his motivation as well. You have an opportunity for the reader to better understand the origins of their conflict. You can also use those scenes to provide hints of danger about what might happen when he arrives.
Have you read #MurderTrending by Gretchen McNeil? There are only a few scenes from the villain’s POV, but they give the reader more information (that the MC doesn’t have). In the adult novel, The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarity, the stalker’s POV is alternated with the target. This builds suspense because we get a window into the stalker’s actions at the same time that the victim has no idea. The tension comes from the reader waiting for the MC to figure out what we have learned from the other POV scenes.
In my manuscript, the MC is hiding out and training, while the villain is travelling closer and closer. I’m working on putting short sections of his POV in to keep the tension up. Any advice for doing this?
thanks!
Jane — see my response below. 🙂
Where do you go to this event? It does not show the play button here.
Hi Ana! The idea is that I am here to answer questions related to the blog post. It’s considered a “live blog” event.
I think(?) her responses will be in writing.
Yes!
I like the idea that the reader feels the tension mounting through the antagonist’s impending arrival. I would suggest using these scenes so that the reader better understands his motivation as well. You have an opportunity for the reader to better understand the origins of their conflict. You can also use those scenes to provide hints of danger about what might happen when he arrives.
Have you read #MurderTrending by Gretchen McNeil? There are only a few scenes from the villain’s POV, but they give the reader more information (that the MC doesn’t have). In the adult novel, The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarity, the stalker’s POV is alternated with the target. This builds suspense because we get a window into the stalker’s actions at the same time that the victim has no idea. The tension comes from the reader waiting for the MC to figure out what we have learned from the other POV scenes.
I hope that helps!
This is in response to Jane’s question above.
Hi writers! The “live” blog time has ended but I’ll be checking back for further questions throughout the conference.