Writing a psychological thriller isn’t just storytelling—it’s a delicate balancing act. Discover the perspectives, pacing, and mental gymnastics required to craft a suspenseful, gripping story.
Tag Archives: suspense writing
The Mountain Chapter: Losing Yourself in Your Own Book
Discover the psychological intensity behind the “mountain chapter” in novel writing. Learn how to navigate high-stakes scenes, balance plot and emotion, and use line editing to create chapters that anchor your story. Includes a practical worksheet for authors.
The Art of Pacing in Psychological Thrillers: How to Keep Readers Hooked Without Burning Them Out
Learn how to master pacing in slow-burn psychological thrillers. Discover why ebb and flow in tension is key to gripping storytelling—and see it in action with the upcoming Samantha Leary series, Murder House (2026).
The Beating Heart of Suspense: How Mood and Timing Create Page-Turners
Suspense is the lifeblood of mystery writing. Learn how to build tension with mood, pacing, and restraint—using lessons from films like The Score, Abandoned, Cape Fear, Shutter Island, and The Birds.
Heart of Writing S2 E3 Five Lessons Writers Can Learn from Legal Thrillers
Heart of Writing S2 E3 – Five Lessons Writers Can Learn from Legal Thrillers
In this episode of Heart of Writing, we dive into the gripping world of legal thrillers and uncover five key lessons writers can apply to their own storytelling. From crafting tension and high-stakes drama to creating compelling characters and plot twists, discover techniques that keep readers hooked from the first page to the last. Perfect for fiction writers looking to sharpen their suspense, pacing, and narrative skills.
We Are Wise Thinkers 