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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.

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