Red Flag Words
One way to grab a reader’s attention and build suspense is by using Red Flag Words—sudden shifts in the story that break the pace and signal that something important is about to happen. Words like just then, out of nowhere, before I could react, or without warning act like flashing lights, preparing the reader for a twist, danger, or surprise. These words, followed by a strong sensory detail, create tension and keep the reader on edge. Instead of revealing everything at once, Red Flag Words make the reader pause, anticipate, and feel the suspense grow with every word!
Example Red Flag Words
Suddenly... |
A moment later... |
The next thing I knew... |
Just then... |
In the blink of an eye... |
Instantly... |
Without warning... |
To my suprise... |
From out of nowhere... |
When using this strategy, it's best to use a Red Flag Word, followed by a sensory clue, and than an action or insight into what your character is thinking or how your character is feeling. It is powerful when this is built up over three repetitions.
Red Flag Word. You hear a noise. You try to figure out what it is. You don’t find anything and dismiss it.
Red Flag Word. You see something. You try to figure out what it is. You don’t notice anything unusual but now you’re starting to get worried or suspicious.
Red Flag Word. You feel something that startles you. You turn around or look up or look down and there it is.
Red Flag Word. You see something. You try to figure out what it is. You don’t notice anything unusual but now you’re starting to get worried or suspicious.
Red Flag Word. You feel something that startles you. You turn around or look up or look down and there it is.
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Red Flag Word; Sensory Clue; Action / Insight
Example
Just then I heard a weird rustling sound in the bush. I slowed down and glanced into the bushes around me. The sound stopped and I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I shrugged and went on. A moment later I caught a glimpse of something moving off behind the trees. I froze and peered into the dark woods. I didn’t see anything. Feeling uneasy, I began to walk more quickly. I needed to get off this path and onto the main road. Without warning I felt a hot wind on my neck. I spun around and screamed! I found myself face to face with the great grizzley! |
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