Hi Class! We have begun exploring the suspense genre of writing. Here is your first activity:
Write an amazing opening to a suspenseful story using one of the following story starters:
- It was a strange night, there seemed to be a chill in the air…
- As soon as he/she arrived, he/she could sense that something was out of place…
- One night, he/she looked out the window and saw the neighbour…
- He/She was reading a book when he/she looked up. There in the window he/she saw…
- He/She decided to go for an evening stroll. He/She walked about three blocks when he/she felt it…
- They would have been fine if they hadn’t stopped for the stranger…
- Everyone avoided the big old mansion. It was believed to have…
- Something is drastically wrong! Every time he/she picks up the telephone…
- Sometimes he/she thinks his/her friend has strange powers. Every time he/she is around…
- All of the sudden he/she was trapped!
Your goal is to lead the reader to a suspenseful point in the story…then STOP! Be descriptive. Use powerful words. Vary your sentence patterns. Remember, suspense does not have to be horrific, sad, or gory!
Your classmates will complete the story to their liking.
The first part of this activity is due by the end of Monday’s computer class (November 25). You will then be responsible to finish at least five other stories by the end of computer class on Wednesday December 4.
Each contribution requires at least 150 words.