March Theme: Cliffhangers
Did that story just leave you hanging?
A door opens in front of you and as you step through it,
a voice screams overhead through tinny speakers.
Welcome to the world of serial fiction,
where the stakes are high,
the pacing is intense,
and the readers are waiting
for the next instalment.
It breaks off, and a calm figure gestures for you to take a seat.
This month
We’ll be dive into (and over?) one of the most useful tools in a writer’s arsenal: the cliffhanger.
Whether you’re writing a novel, a web comic, or a TV series, cliffhangers can be key to keeping your audience engaged and invested in your story.
So buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the art of suspense and the thrill of the unknown.
What are Cliffhangers?
You know what they are, a storytelling device that leaves the audience hanging on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.
Used at the end of a chapter, episode, or installment. They create a sense of anticipation and excitement.
“Manipulating” the reader into turning the page and starting the next chapter because they just have to know.
Cliffhangers can take many forms, from a character in peril to an unanswered question or mystery, but the key is that they leave the audience wanting —
Why use Cliffhangers in Serial Fiction?
Serial fiction is all about pacing and momentum.
You want your readers to keep turning the pages or coming back for the next episode, and cliffhangers can help you achieve that.
By leaving your audience with a sense of anticipation, you create a sense of urgency and investment in the story.
This can be especially important in today’s media landscape, where attention spans are picoseconds and we have more entertainment options than hours of the day.
4 Techniques for Creating Cliffhangers
1. Build Tension and Suspense
One of the most effective ways to create a cliffhanger is to build tension and suspense throughout your story.
You can do this by creating a sense of danger or threat, teasing a reveal, or slowly building up to a pivotal moment.
By the time you reach the end of your chapter or episode, your readers should be on the edge of their seat, eager to find out what happens next.
2. Cut off a Scene Abruptly
Another technique for creating a cliffhanger is to cut off a scene abruptly.
We can do this by ending a chapter or episode in the middle of a conversation, action sequence, or important moment.
Like this guy above, freeze framed, you know he’s seen something troubling, but you don’t know what. Or what’s going to happen?
Unless you…
3. Leave a Character in Peril
Leaving a character in peril is another classic cliffhanger technique.
Put a character in a dangerous situation. But don’t resolve it.
Drop them off the edge of a cliff (had to!) or trapped in a burning building or blown out of an airlock facing instant and obvious death.
Right? RIGHT!? Wait, maybe…
By leaving the character’s fate uncertain, you create a sense of tension and investment in their story.
4. Create a Mystery or Unanswered Question
Finally, you can create a cliffhanger by introducing a mystery or unanswered question.
Hint at a secret or introduce a new character with unknown intentions or leaving a plot thread unresolved.
Like this furry guy, I’m sure he’s going to be housebroken, and there’s like zero chance of any face eating. Promise.
Leave your audience with a sense of curiosity and intrigue, and you’ll create a desire for answers and resolution.
Tips for Using Cliffhangers Effectively
Use Cliffhangers Sparingly
While cliffhangers can be a powerful tool, it’s important to use them sparingly. Overusing cliffhangers can lead to a sense of fatigue or predictability, and can even turn off your audience.
Instead, focus on using cliffhangers at key moments in your story, where the stakes are high and the tension is palpable.
Pay Off Your Cliffhangers
It’s also important to pay off your cliffhangers in a satisfying way. If you leave your audience hanging for too long, they may lose interest or feel cheated. Resolve your cliffhangers in a way that feels earned and satisfying.
Know Your Audience
We keep coming back to this, but know your audience and what they respond to. Different genres and formats require different cliffhangers, and what works for one may not work for another. Listen to feedback and engage with your readers to understand what they like.
Takeaways
Cliffhangers are a powerful tool in serialized storytelling, helping to build suspense, create anticipation, and keep readers hooked.
By using techniques like building tension, cutting off scenes abruptly, leaving characters in peril, and creating mysteries, you can create compelling cliffhangers that leave your audience wanting more.
Just remember to use cliffhangers sparingly, pay off your promises, and know your audience.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to mastering the art of suspense and keeping your readers on the edge of their seat.
And writing a serial that readers can’t live without.
Get started with the first Writing Prompt below:
Last month our mini-course looked at Hooks, the other end of your stories, and getting them as sticky, as juicy as possible as so damn hooky readers are yanked through right to the end. March is about that end.
But if you missed last month’s Theme and Prompts here’s the list.
February Mini-Course: Hooked
A mini-course in grabbing readers' attentionblog.zanedickens.com
Top Three Stories in February
These were some of our best, most viewed, clapped or loved stories.
In this thrilling mystery tale, Veronica goes on a search for her vanished boyfriend Liam. Check out The Enigma of the Vanished Man Pulled Her Back To His Door
Follow K. Joseph for more.
One unlucky soul finds out the hard way that maybe the dragons aren’t the villains after all in When the Mama Dragon Comes Knocking
Follow Precious Akilapa for more.
My favorite this month. Find out why in this witty and relatable story about low-key life, music, and unexpected encounters. Is Mr Moustache Gonna Blow Out My Candle?
Follow Bob Merckel for more.
And if you’re not a Medium writer, you should consider it. It’s a great place to test out ideas and be almost guaranteed a few reads right of the bat. Not the same for a blog or newsletter, I must be honest. Sign up with my link to support my work too and get access to every single member-only story on Medium!