I was reading a BBC article about a writer’s photography prize when the sharp rattle of an earthquake interrupted my morning cup of tea today. Oh, not a bad earthquake, but unexpected and one that jolted my mind with a practical application to writing thrillers. Every thriller needs ‘earthquakes’—writing that jolts the readers; an unexpected twist or turn. Let the tension build and then … kapok! I have to be careful not to have too many of these in my writing. If I do, the reader will expect them. The earthquake this morning reminded me to identify these sudden plot and character changes and, if possible, amplify them. Now, back to my cup of tea.
