Thriller books have had a great impact on the history of English literature. It grabs the attention of readers with its intense suspense, surprising twists, and exciting stories. 

This is an extremely exciting genre to read. People who love thrillers come from all walks of life, but they all enjoy the excitement and mental challenge these stories offer.

According to authentic research, thriller stories are popular among young adults and even middle aged people and the genres that were most popular for audiobooks are Mystery and Thriller (55%) and Science Fiction and Fantasy (48%).

Writers who enjoy creating thrillers often have vivid imaginations and are good at plotting complicated tales. They like developing complex characters and exploring the darker sides of human nature. 

You will learn:

• Start with a strong hook to immediately grab the reader's attention.
• Focus on clarity and impact 
• Use the setting to enhance atmosphere
• Incorporate red herrings and clues

5 steps of writing a thriller stories 

Writing a thriller can be an exciting challenge for both the author and the reader. Thrillers are known for their intense suspense, unexpected twists, and high-stakes scenarios that keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

Whether you're crafting a psychological thriller, a crime thriller, or an action-packed adventure, there are key elements that can help you create a compelling and unforgettable story. 

This type of variety improves your storywriting. Here's a detailed guide on how to write a thriller in 5 steps:

1. Write a compelling plot for your readers

Start by plotting a thriller that will captivate your readers. Outline your story's core conflict and the main characters involved. Create a complex, intelligent antagonist who acts as a significant threat to your protagonist. Develop a series of serious events that build suspense in the tale.

Example: In "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson, the plot revolves around journalist Mikael Blomkvist's investigation of a decades-old disappearance, intertwined with hacker Lisbeth Salander's own struggles. The complex plan reveals dark secrets and unexpected connections.

To create the best plot twists, keep these tips in mind:

• Ensure the twist is necessary and believable.
• Even if surprising, it should make sense to the reader.
• Use a double plot twist: a smaller twist before the main one.
• Don’t stop the action after the twist; increase tension and drama.
• Foreshadow the twist carefully.
• Redirect reader’s expectations; avoid unpredictable results.
• Distract from action or emotional scenes.

2. Have a strong command on building suspense

Building suspense is very important in a thriller. Use techniques like keeping some facts hidden, adding time pressure, and introducing moral dilemmas to keep readers interested. Use cliffhangers (unexpected twists and turns) at the end of chapters to keep the tension high.

Example: "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn masterfully builds suspense by alternating between two unreliable narrators. It constantly makes the reader question what's really happening. The gradual revelation of Amy's elaborate plan keeps readers guessing until the very end.

3. Control the rhythm of the story

It is necessary for every writer to manage the timing to keep readers hooked. Balance is important in every genre of literature. Fast action scenes with slower parts develop characters and explain the plotting thriller completely. 

Furthermore, using short sentences and paragraphs during exciting moments allows you to deliver your tale more clearly to your audience. Make sure to speed things up, use longer and more detailed passages to slow things down when needed.

Example: Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" demonstrates excellent pacing, alternating between high-octane chase scenes and quieter moments where the characters solve mysteries. This rhythm keeps the story moving while allowing readers to catch their breath.

4. Craft intense action sequences

When writing fight scenes or other high-octane moments, focus on clarity and impact. Use strong, active verbs and concise descriptions to convey the intensity of the moment. 

Remember to engage multiple senses to make the scene more clear. The opening scene of a story is crucial, as it forms the reader's initial impression and triggers one of three reactions:

1. They are immediately captivated and drawn into the tale, eagerly wanting to know what happens next, and continue reading without pause.
2. If the beginning is somewhat weak but still attractive, hoping the narrative improves.
3. If the opening fails to interest them, they may stop reading altogether, feeling disappointed and regretful about their investment in the book.

The first reaction is ideal, while the second is manageable if the story becomes more compelling. The third reaction is what we must avoid at all costs.

6. Deliver a satisfying climax

To create a powerful finale for your thriller that leaves readers satisfied, focus on these elements:

• High stakes: Make sure the outcome of the protagonist's challenge is crucial and clearly understood.
• Unexpected twists: Include surprising turns that keep both characters and readers guessing.
• Character growth: Show how the protagonist has changed and improved throughout the story.
• Pacing: Build tension by speeding up the action with shorter sentences and paragraphs.
• Clear resolution: Wrap up the main conflict definitively while leaving room for future stories if needed.

For instance: In "The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris, the climax ties together all the suspenseful threads as Clarice Starling races to save Catherine Martin. The intense showdown scene delivers unexpected twists and showcases Clarice's personal growth, ensuring a satisfying conclusion to the main storyline.

Difference between thrillers, mysteries and suspense fiction? 

In fiction, thrillers, mysteries, and suspense novels each provide readers with different experiences. They have unique storytelling styles and themes. It is sometimes difficult for writers to understand the difference; at that time, AI helps writers to write effectively. 

Like an AI plot maker the online tool, it generates stories and assists writers in writing a variety of stories. If readers and writers are aware of these genres, it is easy for them to understand what to expect and what they prefer. The table below shows the differences between all the genres.

What makes a story thriller?

Thrillers are a popular genre in literature that captivate readers with their exciting narratives and suspenseful plots. These stories are designed to convey powerful emotions, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Here are some of the notable characteristics that make your story thriller:

• High stakes and tension throughout
• Protagonist faces danger or threats
• Clever, resourceful villain or antagonist
• Unexpected twists and turns
• Race against time element
• Atmospheric settings that create unease
• Moral dilemmas or ethical challenges
• Use of red herrings to mislead readers
• Detailed descriptions of planning or problem-solving
• Exploration of fear, anxiety, and complexities

These story elements combine to create an intense reading experience that challenges characters and engages readers, making your writing beloved in the literary world.

Types of thriller stories 

Thriller stories come in various forms, each with its own unique elements and style. Whether you enjoy psychological games, high-stakes criminal investigations, or exciting action sequences, there's a thriller subgenre to suit every taste. 

Let's explore the six most popular types of thriller stories.

1. Psychological thrillers: These focus on the mental states of characters and often involve mind games or manipulation.
2. Crime thrillers: These revolve around criminal acts and usually consist of detectives or ordinary people solving mysteries.
3. Action thrillers: Full of exciting scenes, fights, and danger, these keep readers on the edge of their seats.
4. Spy thrillers: These involve hidden cameras, secret agents, and international conspiracies.
5. Legal thrillers: Set in the world of law and courtrooms, these often feature lawyers uncovering truths.
6. Techno-thrillers: These combine advanced technology with suspense, often exploring potential dangers of new inventions.

5 ideas to to start thriller writing 

Following are the five exciting ideas to start the story that increase the credibility of your narrative. These points help you while you are narrating your tale.

1. Start with a strong hook

Open your story with an interesting scene or situation that immediately grabs the reader's attention. This could be a mysterious event, a shocking revelation, or a character in trouble. Your goal is to make the reader want to keep turning pages from the very start.

2. Create complex and relatable characters

Develop the protagonists and antagonists of your tale with depth. Give them clear motivations, flaws, and backstories; it makes your character strong and your narrative as well. It is necessary for you to make your readers able to understand and empathize with your characters, even if they don't always agree with their actions.

3. Build tension and pace 

Maintain a sense of urgency throughout your novel. Use a mix of fast-paced action scenes and slower moments of suspense. Introduce plot twists and cliffhangers at key points to keep readers engaged and guessing.

4. Research thoroughly 

If your thriller involves specific professions, locations, or technical details, make sure to research them well. Accuracy adds credibility to your novella and helps readers immerse themselves in the world you've created. Accurate information makes your narrative more popular and memorable for the readers. 

5. Plant clues and red herrings 

Spread small signals throughout your novel that point to the ultimate resolution. At the same time, include some false leads to keep readers guessing. The key is to make the conclusion surprising yet logical when readers look back at the clues.

Final words

Writing a thriller involves balancing tension, pacing, and character development for thrillers to keep readers interested. By understanding the unique characteristics of the genre and employing strategic storytelling techniques, you can write an excellent thriller that will captivate and entertain your audience. Remember to keep the stakes high, the plot twists unexpected, and the suspense relatable.

External resources:

• Agatha Christie is the best selling thriller/mystery author of all time, who has sold between 2 billion and 4 billion copies of her books.
• 10 Popular Thriller Books that will Keep you Hooked with their Riveting Suspense (2024) 
• Sentence Structure: Learn the Rules for Every Sentence Type

Frequently asked questions 

How do I develop a strong plot for a thriller?

Start with a compelling premise and outline the major events. Ensure each scene builds tension and advances the plot. Incorporate cliffhangers and twists to keep readers guessing. Make sure the stakes are high and the protagonist faces significant risks.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a thriller?

Avoid predictable plots and clichéd characters. Don't let the pacing drag; keep the narration moving. Ensure your twists are believable and foreshadowed. Avoid info-dumping and focus on showing rather than telling.

What role does setting play in a thriller story?

The setting in a thriller can significantly enhance the atmosphere and tension. Choose locations that add to the mood, such as dark alleys, isolated areas, or high-tech environments. Use the setting to create obstacles and challenges for the characters, making it an integral part of the plot.