How do you keep a reader interested in what you have written?

Answer 1

How to Keep a Reader's Interest

Without knowing more about the type of book in discussion, here is some general advice. The secret to writing suspense - that which keeps the reader turning the pages - is to set up a question in the reader's mind such that she will not be able to rest until the reader finds the answer. It may be a big question, such as "Will I be able to get out of this pot before the headhunters return to cook me?" or it may be a small question, like "Will Greta be able to go to college with no money?" So long as it matters desperately to the character, and to the extent that the writing is able to convince the reader that it does, it doesn't matter what the question is. The first question should be presented on the first page. Here's the beginning line of a fantasy novel for youth: "It started the day Misty took her little brother out into the forest to get rid of him."

Immediately, the reader wants to know, WHY? And if s/he doesn't go on and read until the question is answered, it will linger in the mind for days, perhaps weeks, providing a strong motivation to go back to the book. Some questions will be answered immediately; some, generally the big ones, will be saved until the end. The beginning question should be explored within the first chapter, and another question presented to carry the reader on. There's no need to overload the reader with questions, all over and around them should be action, dialogue, character development, perhaps humor. But the reader should never be allowed to forget what's at stake. This formula works best on suspense-heavy books like thrillers, spy novels, mysteries, quest plots, etc. Each chapter is arranged that way. It is good to keep track of the questions as they arise, so that they are all answered by the end.

Holding the reader's attention in academic writing

Obviously, in academic writing, creating suspense is not usually an option.

* Try to emphasize with your (imaginary) reader throughout.

* Do not overburden the main body of the text with fussy detail. Unless detail in the text is essential to your line of argument put it in footnotes (or endnotes).

* Keep the style simple. Don't be pompous.

The first concern is, does the subject material pertain to the reader. If you are writing about hunting I will pay close attention. If you are writing about Ballet, then I won't give it the time of day. You have to appeal to the reader's interests, sometimes with unrevealed secrets or an unanswered question. It makes them want to know so they keep reading.

Answer 2

You engage your reader in the same manner no matter what you are writing - nonfiction, fiction, essays or novels! You need to get their attention and hook into their emotions.

In order to do this, you need to know your "audience" - the people who will be reading your work. If you are writing a scientific paper or book, you will be writing differently than you would if you are writing a mystery or detective story. What sorts of things do these people look for when they read? What things do they like or dislike in writing?

Now, think of ways that you can fit your facts to your readers. How can you tell the facts or story in the most interesting way? What things are your readers likely to find interesting based on what you know about them?

If you can engage their emotions, you're practically home free! Tell your story or write your facts in an emotional way - give emotional examples, tell facts that make the reader feel something, or use personal examples to make them feel connected to you.

Answer 3

Well, whenever I begin a story I usually start by going straight into the story, like:

It was just next to me. The longing to hold the brilliant red ruby startled me. This is the begning.

or something like that. Usually, if you include mystery, suspicion or fear, the reader will be stuck right into the story and longing to read more.

Whenever I write a story (book can be the same instance) I usually use a line that would catch my attention, were the story being written by someone else. Being an author allows you to put something of yourself in the picture- a really good thing sometimes, as one can write about what one knows and is interested in.

Answer 4

Authors like to make a story of what they think is fun and interesting to them not just to others. To truly make a book interesting they sometimes have to put themselfs so into the story and whats happening they live the story in there head. You have to be able to see whats happening imagin it could happen and make it become a reality even if it's just in there head. I had a problem in one of my books it just seemed to be going no were so i had the seen change and made the charactors become real with a flashback to their past. You have to think like each of your charactors you have to beable to see their reactions. To make your story interesting you have to be able to have people relate to your charactors, to make them feel like their in the shoes. Have your charactors become 3D. Add something unexpected if your really in a rut have a new charactor come in, make them lose someone, let your audience know more about your charctor, and have the story be fun to you. Thats how i got my books to stay interesting and i hope it help you just a little.

Answer 5

Take it from the best writer from my school: Let Your Imagination Flow, Run Wild, And Take Hold Of You. Do your Best And Write It All Down.

otherwise, idk.im just the best without even trying.read your story or give it to a friend.another perspective can be useful to create mystery. HOOK THEM IN REEL N THEM UP!!

Answer 6

Suspense is built by conflict. You must have your characters in conflict with something - either external conflict like man vs. man or man vs. nature, or internal conflict like man vs his own emotions or his own beliefs. Show the emotions of your characters as they strive to reach their goals, and you'll have suspense.

Answer 7

Suspense