Luring Readers Beyond "The End"

Are you interested in having more than one book published? I know I am. So what causes readers to hunt for the author's name instead of searching for great cover art when looking for the next book to buy? Today's discussion provides one intriguing answer. 

There are certain books, movies, and TV shows that have more than a timeless lure. Why is that?  

For today's post, I reached back into TV time to present this masterful writing skill. The screenwriters of the Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Twilight Zone, and the Outer Limits shows, (aired in the 1960's) used a linear direction to pull viewers into the story....

1.Introduced Characters
2.Presented the main character's problem
3.Revealed problems that prevented main character from solving their problem
4.Solve the problem
5.The end 

Sounds familiar, right? This is the same formula we all use for our stories. The difference happens in the next step. Yes. There is "the next step"

When watching one of the shows I mentioned, I am convinced I know the direction the story is heading. I predict what will happen next without even knowing I am doing this. Based on the character's actions the ending has to be.... Isn't this a nice story.

And although I have paid attention to the plot, even searched for the clue that will be the foundation to the ending, and find it, I am so engaged in the storytelling and so convinced of the ending that I am taken by surprise at the last hurrah. Yep every time.

For example- Hitchcock presented a story about a man who had a bothersome wife. He wanted to get rid of her. He dug a hole in the cellar and told his wife he was making a wine cellar. She mentioned to her friends at a party that she was excited about the Christmas present for her husband. He told the friends he and his wife may not return from their dream holiday trip for months. The husband kills his wife and buries her in the foundation for the wine cellar then takes the trip he and his wife planned.

This story moved in a linear way. We meet hubby. See from his view why he is bothered by his wife. Watch him dig the hole and convince his wife this was for a wine cellar. The party happens and they chat with their friends. He kills her, buries her in the hole, then packs for the trip and leaves. End of story? 

Seems like it.

But.

Even with a stellar script and Oscar performances the audience/readers would NOT be inclined to say, I can't wait to read another. The reader wouldn't be upset or dissatisfied...he or she just wouldn't be overly satisfied or eager to find another story by this author. 

The story has intrigue, mystery, suspense. The main character solves his problem. All the components to a great story.

What is it missing? 

The lure. The last hurrah, the moment when I was so engaged I didn't feel the rug being pulled out from under me and left thinking back through the story...and remembering the next day-- found in every episode of the shows I mentioned.

Shall I spoil this little story for you? Yes, I will. The last hurrah for the miserable husband came at the holiday resort where he sat on the sunny veranda. A knock on the door. He answers and is handed an envelope delivered by messenger. The paper inside was a receipt--for services rendered in making a wine cellar in his home's basement paid for by his wife. The Christmas present.

A lure is that little piece beyond the technical ending intended to grab the reader and say, remember this author's name. Buy another book, right now. Yes, get your coat, go online, you must have another story by this author...now.

Does this only apply to mystery/suspense...NO. All it takes is one little line at the end of any genre. Here is an example..do you recall the ending line to Gone With the Wind? Scarlett says it after Rhett leaves. She closes the door and says, "I'll think about that tomorrow." THERE IT IS!!!  The lure.

Consider adding a lure on to the end of your WIP.

To help you think of one, find three lures in stories or movies you already know. The movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks has a wonderful one. Be sure to share in the comment section.

I can't wait to read your comment(s)!

Help others--tweet or FB share this post

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Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking top Mary's list of great ways to enjoy a day. Such adventures can be found in her stories as well.

Mary writes young adult mystery/suspense, is honing marketing and writing skills, and loves to pen missionary and tell Bible event stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids. She has finaled in several writing contests.

Visit Mary at her website, blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

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Castle Lessons: Irresistible

Sherrinda and I were watching Castle together on Monday night. Me in Tennessee, she in Texas. The together part was via Twitter.

There is just something about a show about a writer doing his research on a level the rest of us writers could only dream of, coupled with mystery and a bit of romance, that makes it irresistable.

And that's the key, isn't it. A show, or for us novelists, our books, should be irresistable. SO much so that people want to tweet it, talk about it, come back next time (next chapter or next book) for more.

But what is irresistible to one reader could be drab and boring to others. I'm sure there are many that roll their eyes at Castle and turn the channel. (crazy people...)

At least to Sherrinda and I, some of their prime audience members, they have succeeded.

So who do WE write irresistable fiction?

Here's the thing: There is no magic formula!

No one can really predict for sure how well a book will do. That's why you hear stories of famous authors getting a billion and one rejections before some obscure agent takes them on and they go on to make millions when the book goes viral.

Even though no abracadabra exists, here are some elements (Castle-Style) that can help in your quest to put pizazz in your work in progress that will help keep readers glued to your book and giddy at the thought of your next new release.

Tight Tension - Tension is what keeps readers/watchers biting their nails and holding their breath. It's when Castle watches Kate's current boyfriend kiss her, or when a case seems to be spiraling out of control and every lead ends up in a dead end, and time is ticking before the killer strikes again. Gotta have some good tension!


Colossal Conflict - Regardless of you genre, you need a killer main conflict. A mamsy-pansy one will NOT do. I write contemporary romance... which many thing of as having tamer plots, but I still try to up the ante and put a little kick in my main conflict.

Subtle Subplots - Subplots swirl with their own sets of conflict that feed into the main conflict. Done right, they don't create unneeded rabbit trails but actually up the irresistible-factor and create depth. A good example is Castle's mother and daughter issues that are constantly going on. While they aren't vital to the main crime, make Castle realistic and ground him in reality. They help us know his background, his backstory, and make him a deeper character with roots.

Rugged Romance  - Some may disagree with me on this point. And really, it IS a bit of a preference (and in my genre, an obviously requirement.) But I have this saying that goes, "Romance makes every book a little bit better." While romance is a genre in itself, it is also able to be incorporated in all genres, even if it is just a hint. This doesn't have to be a main plot, but a little romantic tension is never a bad thing in a novel!

Murderous Mystery - Another genre of its own, I know. And Castle himself is a mystery writer, and crime shows and novels have an required mystery element. But all books can be enhanced by an element of keeping-your-reader/watcher-guessing. It's a comment complaint I hear among readers, is that they finish the first chapter and know exactly what's going to happen in the book. Keep a few cards in your back-pocket for later.

Discussion: Name an author (or more!) that you think writes irresistable fiction... and why!

I'll start:

The below is a list of my fav authors that I keep an eye out on their next new releases with eager anticipation. (this is not all inclusive... but just a few examples, as I have a LOT of favorite authors!)

• Tamera Leigh (I've teased her that I MIGHT camp out at the bookstore the night before her release day wearing my TAMERA LEIGH FAN CLUB T-shirt--I don't really have one of those but wish I did!)

• Deeanne Gist (Love on the Line is on my short-list to get next!) 

• Jody Hedlund (WRITE FASTER, Jody... this once a year thing is killing me... although you homeschool 5 kids, so I understand...)

• Jenny B Jones (Save the Date was one of my FAVORITE contemp romances of all time!) 

• Francine Rivers (who needs NO introduction!)