"Suspense is one of the most powerful tools a writer has for captivating readers--but it isn't just for thrillers. From mainstream fiction to memoir, suspense creates the emotional tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Mastering Suspense, Structure, & Plot is your hands-on guide to weaving suspense into your narrative. Award-winning author Jane K. Cleland teaches you how to navigate genre conventions, write for your audience, and build gripping tension to craft an irresistible page-turner."--Back cover.

"The key to keeping readers on the edge of their seats is filling your stories--from memoirs to thrillers and stage plays to screenplays--with unexpected twists and turns. By integrating Plot *T*wists, Plot *R*eversals, and Moments of Heightened *D*anger (TRDs) at crucial points, you can captivate your readers with I-can't-wait-to-see-what-happens-next intrigue. The quicker pace and focused action that come from strategically placed twists form the core of the nuanced, multifaceted books that sell--and that help you find a devoted readership. In Mastering Plot Twists, Agatha Award-winning author Jane K. Cleland goes beyond telling writers what to do; she shows you how to do it. Within these pages, you'll find: a proven, five-step process for using TRDs, with detailed examples from best-selling books; a deep dive into plotting, structure, pacing, subplots, and more to help you develop surprising yet inevitable twists; "Jane's Plotting Roadmap" and worksheets--essential tools for plannin