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Raise the Stakes: How to Write Stories That Readers Can't Put Down
Every writer has been given the same advice countless times. In order to grip readers, we must raise the stakes. But what does that mean, and how do we do it?
Story stakes come in three inner stakes, outer stakes, and personal stakes. The key to raising the stakes is first knowing the difference between the three kinds, and then knowing when to apply each one. And most important of all, knowing that heroes and heroines don’t want the stakes raised. They are resisting danger at every turn, and unless there is something personal in the story pushing them to act, they will not cooperate with the excellent plot you’ve laid out for them.
Raise the Stakes is the guide you need to raise the stakes in an effective way. You’ll find what’s most important to your characters, how to get them personally involved, and how to crank up the tension on every page. You’ll discover the ideal time to reveal the true stakes of your story and how to add in plot twists that work.
Alex Kourvo is an editor with more than a decade of experience helping authors. Under her guidance, beginners and award-winning authors have brought their careers to the next level. Now, she’ll help you do the same. No matter the genre, this short manual gives you all the insight you need to write the novel that keeps readers racing through the pages.
(A version of this book was previously published with the title No Hero Wants to Save the How to Raise the Stakes in Your Fiction.)
Story stakes come in three inner stakes, outer stakes, and personal stakes. The key to raising the stakes is first knowing the difference between the three kinds, and then knowing when to apply each one. And most important of all, knowing that heroes and heroines don’t want the stakes raised. They are resisting danger at every turn, and unless there is something personal in the story pushing them to act, they will not cooperate with the excellent plot you’ve laid out for them.
Raise the Stakes is the guide you need to raise the stakes in an effective way. You’ll find what’s most important to your characters, how to get them personally involved, and how to crank up the tension on every page. You’ll discover the ideal time to reveal the true stakes of your story and how to add in plot twists that work.
Alex Kourvo is an editor with more than a decade of experience helping authors. Under her guidance, beginners and award-winning authors have brought their careers to the next level. Now, she’ll help you do the same. No matter the genre, this short manual gives you all the insight you need to write the novel that keeps readers racing through the pages.
(A version of this book was previously published with the title No Hero Wants to Save the How to Raise the Stakes in Your Fiction.)
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
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July 29, 2025
This book is motivational, super insightful, and filled with great reminders and tips. I really enjoyed this and actually read the whole thing. If you're a writer, this is a great resource!
Displaying 1 of 1 review