How to Write a Thriller Novel

wikihow.com/Write-a-Thriller-Novel

Co-authored by Lucy V. Hay

Updated: July 18, 2019

Thriller novels are written to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Unlike mystery
novels, thriller novels are about preventing a crime before it is committed. They should
shock, intrigue, and keep the reader in suspense from beginning to end.

Part 1
Starting the Novel

1. Choose a thriller type. There are several different types of thrillers. Choosing a type
can help you determine the plot of the novel. The most common types of thrillers
are:[1]
Psychological thriller: This type of thriller focuses on the psychological motives of
the characters in your novel. Psychological thrillers usually include a main
character who is mentally disturbed. (Ex. Family problems, the death of relatives,
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 etc.
Mystery thriller: This type of thriller focuses on the solving of a mystery, but in a
fast-paced, intense environment.(Theft, murder, suicide)
Science Fiction thriller: This type of thriller uses a lot of the themes and ideas in
the science fiction genre. (Ex. Mutation, zombies, monsters, etc.)
Spy thriller: This type of thriller focuses on spies and espionage.(Ex:
Assassination, elimination, kidnapping, etc.
Military thriller: This type of thriller is based on wars, whether real or fictional.
(Ex: Wars, nuclear projectiles, hacking, etc.

2. Brainstorm story ideas. A good thriller comes from a strong story idea. Most thrillers
are built around a protagonist who falls victim to another character or has to fight
against another character. Sit down and brainstorm story ideas for your novel that are
specific to you and your perspective.[2]
For example, you may have a story idea about death and rebirth, where a
character comes close to death and then reaffirms themselves. Or you may have
a story with a hero who prevents a crime.
Another option is a story idea where a character prevents a disaster and
improves society by solving a problem or dilemma.

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3. Develop engaging characters. Good thrillers will also have interesting, engaging
characters to carry the story forward. Your protagonist or main character should be
complex and have a detailed backstory, which is the history of a character or their
past. Avoid using stock characters in your novel, as this can take all the energy out of
the story and make it feel predictable for the reader.[3]
Avoid stock characters often found in thriller novels, like the hard-boiled
detective, the cold, button-downed FBI agent, or the eager young reporter. Make
your characters more complex and specific.
For example, you may have a detective that is blind and travels everywhere with
a service dog, or an FBI agent who has a shady past and is eager to solve a
difficult case. Think about different traits and qualities you can give your
characters to make them unique and not a stereotype.

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 4. Read examples of thriller novels. To get a better sense of the genre, read examples
of thriller novels. Try to read a variety of different thrillers and different types of
thrillers so you get a sense of what is being published. You may read: [4]
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Part 2
Writing the Novel

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1. Plot out the novel. To make writing the novel much easier, plot out your novel. Use a
plot diagram to plot out the novel, making sure you keep the stakes high and the
conflict going in the plot. A plot diagram will have exposition, the inciting incident,
rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
You can also use the snowflake method to plot out the novel. The snowflake
method consists of a one-sentence summary, a one paragraph summary,
character synopses, and a spreadsheet of scenes.

Lucy V. Hay
Author, Screenwriter & Script Editor
Make your thriller bigger-than-life so hook the reader. Author Lucy Hay says:
"Tension and mystery are important elements of any thriller. There's also usually
some high concept. Something big has happened, and it's leading up towards a big
show-down at the end."

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2. Begin with a bang. Start the thriller novel with a scene right in the action. Starting
with action will throw the reader into the scene right away and assure them they are
in for some major thrills. Introduce the crime or describe the protagonist in a the
middle of a dilemma or major issue.[5]
Avoid including backstory or exposition in the opening pages of the novel. You
can do this later. Start with the most interesting or engaging moments first.
For example, you may start a thriller with a description of a killer hunting down a
victim. This will immerse the reader in the world of the story right away.

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3. Maintain high stakes. As the novel goes on, make sure the stakes are always high for
the main character and for the reader. This means putting your main character in
situations that are difficult or risky. Keep conflict going between characters. Create
obstacles that get in the way of the character solving a crime or achieving what they
want. Make the main character’s life full of complications or issues.[6]
For example, maybe you have a thriller where a young, eager FBI agent wants to
solve a difficult case. You may make it difficult for the agent to achieve their goal
by causing evidence to be lost in a fire or by having a witness go missing.

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4. Keep the action moving. Do not include any unnecessary information or information
that does not further the plot. Make sure the action moves forward continually in the
novel and that the pace is always fast. Thriller are at their best when they are action
packed and focus more on plot than anything else.[7]
For example, rather than include long sections of backstory for your main
character, focus instead on getting the main character from scene to scene.
Weave in backstory into a scene when necessary and keep the plot moving at all
times.

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5. Build to an exciting climax. Most good thrillers will have an exciting climax, often
three-quarters of the way into the novel. The climax is the moment when the stakes
are the highest and the story is at its highest point of suspense and tension. Your
main character may confront the antagonist of the novel in the climax. They may solve
the main problem or issue in the story. Or they may come to a realization that shifts
or changes their world view.
For example, the climax of the novel may be the moment your main character
unmasks the killer. Or it may be when the main character realizes the solution to
a major issue or problem in the story.

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 6. End on a high note. Wrap up the novel on a high, suspenseful note. Rather than try to
wrap up all the loose ends in the book, focus on ending on a scene that will keep the
reader guessing. Show the main character making a decisive act in the last scene. Or
have the main character come to a realization in the last scene that shows they have
changed or shifted in the course of the novel.[8]
For example, you may have a long, elaborate foot chase at the end of the novel,
with one last scene between the FBI agent and the killer.

Part 3
Polishing the Novel

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1. Read over the first draft. Once you have completed the novel, read over the first
draft. Read it out loud to yourself. Notice if the draft moves quickly and efficiently.
Check if there are any plot holes. Look for any moments where you can sharpen or
deepen your characters.

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2. Show the draft to others. You can also get feedback from others on the draft to
make it stronger. Show the draft to a writing group or to a writing mentor. Enroll in a
thriller writing class and have the draft workshopped there.
You can also show the draft to friends and family for their perspective and
advice. Be open to constructive criticism, as it will often make the novel stronger.

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3. Revise the draft for action, suspense, and plot. Once you have received feedback
on the draft, revise it for action, suspense, and plot. Ask yourself, is this scene as
suspenseful as it could be? Is there enough action in the novel as a whole? Does the
plot make sense and keep readers on the edge of their seat?[9]

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