SinC past president and award-winning author Kelly Oliver discusses how to use foreshadowing to build interest and suspense. 

Here are a few of the points Kelly touches on:

  • Readers love a pattern and suspense. To build suspense you have to have clues and foreshadowing.
  • Paraphrasing Chekhov – if a gun appears in the first act, it must go off by the third. It’s more satisfying to the reader if there is a build up and suspense. 
  • You don’t have to add foreshadowing as you write the first draft. It can be easier to add it during the editing process.

*Please note: There are spoilers in the case study that is shared using the movie Knives Out as an example. 

Watch the video for all the details on Kelly’s helpful tips.

You can see the full SinC-Up Tip here: https://youtu.be/y-dbEq90xPU?si=XhyZMALc-ZjwJGXE


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And remember to check the SinC YouTube channel regularly for new tips on craft, marketing, and the writing life. No matter what platform, or format, SinC is Where Writers Belong!

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