Kids adore the adrenaline rush, so it is no surprise they have an innate attraction to the genre of suspense. The feelings of tension, uncertainty, doubt and apprehension all parallel the angst of adolescence, resulting in a familiar emotional connection. Additionally, the physiological response of the pounding beating heart, the spine-prickling shivers, and mind-buzzing thoughts serve up an intoxicating thrill ride kids thrive on.
Consequently, it makes perfect sense that kids make amazing suspense writers — if given the proper tools.
What are the benefits of teaching suspense writing to kids?
1) Adults want to be glued to the page and kids are no exception — only “the hook” is even more critical in their techno world of iPad, iPod, and iPhone instant gratification (Clearly, this is what the “i” must stand for)! So as teachers, we have our work cut out for us; however, if boredom is the archenemy of a love for literacy, then suspense is the antidote. Suspenseful stories have universal appeal and can magically pique the interest of even the most reluctant of readers, jarring them awake from their ill-fated K-12 “School-is-boring. Reading is stupid” stupor. A story whereby an ordinary person is thrown into extraordinary circumstances is irresistible. Throw in a ticking clock and a spooky setting, and you just made Jaded Johnny a lifetime reader. Talk about a best practices with synergistic effects!
2) To strengthen our resolve in making book buffs out of reluctant readers, suspenseful stories contain rich literary elements including dark, villainous characters; mysterious motifs of staircases, woods, graveyards, shadows, and confined spaces; and, thought-provoking thematic subjects, such as perception versus reality, good over evil, and isolation and imprisonment. Suspense stories are not only an entertaining vehicle, they surreptitiously breed critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills from students whom are not otherwise be engaged.
3) Finally, suspenseful stories empower kids by unmasking the cerebral tools and coping skills needed in order to tackle life’s enigmas. Through exposure to mysterious worlds of dark characters and thematic messages, kids learn to revere intelligence, sagacity, and fearlessness. Kids love to “get deep” as they debate and argue over the finer points of plot. Insulated by a safe, voyeuristic lens, kids can safely unravel intricate storylines as they earnestly judge the innocent versus the guilty, thereby refining their own sense of morality. What’s more, suspenseful stories generate rich discussion in literary analysis and are a perfect springboard for developing kids’ own unique writing craft and style.
So how do we teach suspense?
The first thing we have to teach kids is what suspense is: A state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen as opposed to what suspense is not: Suspense is not horror. The two are easily confused so when I introduce the concept, I always translate it into kid-speak. I tell my students, “Suspense is not Freddy Krueger or Michael Myers. It is much more refined than blood and gore. And therefore, even more terrifying.”
“What is the difference?” they ask with bated breath.
“It’s simple,” I tell them. “Horror shows. Suspense implies. And then I dim the lights, set match to a votive candle, and read Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.” And when the narrator tears up the planks and proclaims, “Villains…dissemble no more! I admit the deed! — tear up the planks! — here, here! — it is the beating of his hideous heart!” — I look out into their shiny eyes, burning brightly and begging for more. So later that week we read suspense-riddled tomes, such as “The Monkey’s Paw,” “Lamb to the Slaughter,” and “The Lottery.”
Once students are feeling creatively juiced with sordid secrets, villainous vendettas, gothic graveyards, and are up to the task of writing their own stories, it is my modus operandi to get them past “It was a dark and stormy night…”
This is, of course, how most kids will begin their suspense story. Not that there is anything wrong with dark and stormy nights. Dark and stormy nights are a perfect setting when building a backdrop for suspense. But in the interest of avoiding clichés, I front-load my kid writers to a special acronymic formula for “writhe-in-your-seat-worthy” suspense writing: G.E.M. — Gothicism, Expansion of Time, and Magic of Three.
GOTHICISM: All suspense stories should express an element of the gothic genre, such as the supernatural; an eerie, mysterious setting; emotion over passion; or distinctive characters who are lonely, isolated, and/or oppressed. Throw in a tyrannical villain, a vendetta, or an illicit love affair — you’ve got Goth gold! Why Gothicism? It explores the tragic themes of life and the darker side of human nature. What’s more, kids innately are attracted to it.
EXPANDING TIME: Next, I introduce the art of expanding time using foreshadowing, flashback, and implementing “well, um…maybe…let me see” dialogue.” Expanding time allows the writer to twist, turn, and tangle up the plot. “Tease your audience,” I tell my students. “Pile on the problems and trap your protagonist with a ticking clock. Every second counts with suspense!” There is an old writing adage that says to write slow scenes fast and fast scenes slow. By delaying the big reveal, we build tension and punch up the plot.
MAGIC OF THREE: Finally, the Magic of Three comes into play. The Magic of Three is a writer’s trick where a series of three hints lead to a major discovery. During the first hint, the protagonist detects something is amiss. The second hint sparks a more intense reaction, but nothing is discovered — yet. And then — BANG! The third hint leads to a discovery or revelation. During the big reveal, I teach kids to use and manipulate red flags and phrases, such as Suddenly, Without warning, In a blink of an eye, Instantly, A moment later, Like a shot, To my shock, and To my horror.
Teaching suspense writing to kids breeds amazing results. Once they learn to tantalize their audience through the craft of anticipation with G.E.M., they recognize the power behind suspense and why audiences are drawn to the genre. More importantly, they appreciate suspense for what it is…the secret sauce of writing.
“So go mine your story, and find your G.E.M.,” I tell my students. “The clock is ticking…”
Article Previously Published by Killer Nashville Magazine
Need some Spooky Story Starters?
Spooky Season is upon us and six-word stories are all the rage! Here are (32) Six-Word Scary Story Starters to keep the spooky in your writing.
Six-Word Scary Story Starters
1)
Three people enter cave. Two leave.
2)
Babysitter needs job. Loves kids. Kinda.
3)
Looks in the mirror. No mouth.
4)
Beautiful house. Backyard cemetery. For sale.
5)
App downloads virus - in its users.
6)
Mechanical pencil erases mistakes. And memory.
7)
Neighborhood has party. Hosts are vampires.
8)
Creepy basement. Rickety staircase. No escape.
9)
Circus clowns revolt. No one laughs.
10)
Wife wakes up. Husband does not.
11)
Adorable puppy turns into demonic dog.
12)
Selfie pics sent by unknown user.
13)
Found: Mason jar with unknown species
14)
Girl keeps swinging. She’s not alive.
15)
Grieving scientist clones deceased wife. Oops.
16)
They entered the elevator. That’s all.
17)
Purchased antique painting. Haunted. Buyer’s remorse.
18)
Couple has nightmares. They come true.
19)
Museum coffin won’t open. Pounding inside.
20)
Peaceful ocean swim. Dorsal fin. Ouch!
21)
Clock runs backwards. Time does too.
22)
Tour guide loses group. On purpose.
23)
Locked doors and windows. Forgot one.
24)
Perfect suburban neighborhood. Until freak accidents.
25)
Doorbell rings. Gift. Worst present ever!
26)
New boyfriend. Neither boy or friend.
27)
Office coffee maker brews deadly decaf.
28)
Children’s voices fill park. No kids.
29)
Vacationers open their suitcase. It bites.
30)
Quiet road. Abandoned car. Open door.
31)
Feeling the creepy crawlies. Spiders everywhere!
32)
Voices heard upstairs. Everyone is downstairs.
Teach English? Teens and tweens love to be scared! Now your students can apply the six-word writing prompt and create their own scary stories with engaging (32) Six-Word Scary Story Starter Task Cards. These task cards are sure to generate rich narratives from your students as they combine story elements (setting, dialogue, conflict, etc.) with their own innate creativity. Perfect for Halloween, Creative Writing class, or any other time!
Posts
