INTRIGUE…

The Tapestry That Awakens Reader Curiosity

I don’t talk politics with friends—unless they bring the topic into our conversation and then I temper my words not wanting to cause upset for them or me. However, I really enjoy the novel that fits in the genre of political thriller and often find that talking about fictional situations and characters can be a bridge to (shall I say) rational discussions. These are the times when I greatly appreciate the time and effort authors expend in researching details. Those “facts” present a quality of authenticity that not only makes for Best Sellers, but also leads inquiring minds to consider what might be happening in the World we live in.  So it is that I believe doing a bit of research into this genre of fiction novels—what media folks call the thriller—will support writers in developing the books within our own chosen genre.

Author Tom Clancy is definitely one of the best writers in this field. When I read his quote on the back cover of his novel, The Teeth of The Tiger, I thought: THIS is the perfect statement for encouraging writers to PLOT (plan) the story from start to finish—biggest to smallest detail! Clancy said: “If you want to kick the tiger in his ass, you’d better have a plan for dealing with his teeth.” The paragraph Clancy provided to for his Amazon page—to intrigue his Readers—are also a look at how he plots the story.

“Jack [Jack Ryan, Jr.] has grown up around intrigue. As his father rose through the ranks of the CIA and then to the White House, Jack received a life course in the world and the way it works, from agents, statesmen, analysts, Secret Servicemen, and black-ops specialists…. He wants to put it all to work now—but when he knocks on the front door of “The Campus,” he finds that nothing has prepared him for what he is about to encounter. For it is indeed a different world out there, and in here…and it is about to become a lot more dangerous.”

First: Writing a novel in any genre is much like facing a Tiger. It is a BIG job and at times scary with sharp “teeth” that turn around and “bite” you IF you haven’t given the Readers what they want and expect.

Second: DON’T allow the cute “kitty” to frighten you! As you complete each step of the story-development-process you’ll tame that tiger and welcome the future you’ll share together.

Third: Let’s dissect Clancy’s paragraph as he defines his main character.

• His main character has “grown up around ”
• Used as a verb, the word intrigue means to make someone WANT to know more about something; to peak their interest in people, places, events and possibilities.
• As a verb, there is also the element of making secret plans.
• As a noun, the word intrigue adds the definition of a mysterious or fascinating quality and the secret planning of something illicit or detrimental.
• Clancy gives his readers a look at his plot outline! (1) Jack’s Dad rose through the ranks of the CIA and White House; (2) Jack received a life course in the WAY things worked; (3) Jack goes to a secret place called “The Campus;” (4) he encounters something he didn’t expect—a different world that is even more dangerous.

Every writer and published author I know has used this element of intrigue in the development of their novels. Whether the genre is Romance, Western, Science Fiction, True Stories or most any other genre, it helps us all write an excellent story—moving us toward that Best Seller list! ⚓︎

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.