The first thing I noticed was the tortuous pain on the left side of my face. It wasn’t clear if the nausea curling in my stomach was from that or if it was connected to whatever was making my face wet. I tried opening my eyes, but only the right one would cooperate—and it could only show me a blurry mess of books piled together on the floor across from me.
Why the fuck was I on the floor? I tried to remember, but all I got was an urge to vomit.
With these words, Chris Witt’s A Memory’s Web: A Conspiracy Unveiled traps readers from the very first page. This visceral opening isn’t just a hook; it’s a masterclass in crafting suspense and engaging a reader’s imagination.
Here lies the recipe for writing the perfect thriller novel, and we’ll dissect its ingredients, using Witt’s gripping narrative as our guide.
Set the Scene with Sensory Details
Great thrillers don’t just tell a story—they immerse you in it. Witt’s protagonist wakes up disoriented, battered, and in unsettling surroundings.
Looking around the room, there wasn’t a lot I could use. Besides the different stacks of books, there was a raggedy bed with its cover all bunched up. I prayed that the large sticky splotch covering part of the wooden floor was some weird design choice and not related to the knocked over cans or rancid smell in the air, but I knew I wouldn’t be so lucky.
These details evoke discomfort and curiosity, compelling readers to turn the page. When crafting your thriller, lean into sensory descriptions that bring your world to life. Don’t just describe a room—let readers feel its decay, hear its silence, and smell its staleness.
Start with Chaos
Thrillers thrive on unpredictability. Witt begins his story in disarray, throwing readers and protagonists into confusion and danger. From waking up injured to a mysterious intruder trailing blood, chaos reigns.
This is a reminder: start where it hurts. A quiet coffee shop may not entice readers, but a chase through dimly lit alleys, a secret exposed, or an unexplained crime will.
Layer in Mystery
Who is Jacob Hunter, or is he Adam Campbell? Why do shadowy figures want him dead? Witt expertly builds tension by weaving questions into every chapter, keeping readers guessing.
To craft a compelling thriller, introduce mysteries that multiply. Each answer should lead to more questions.
Let the Protagonist’s Flaws Shine
A protagonist who wakes up with no memory yet instinctively hides from danger feels human and relatable. Witt’s lead isn’t an invincible hero; he’s bruised, paranoid, and driven by fragmented instincts.
In your writing, let characters fail, panic, and stumble. These vulnerabilities connect with readers and make triumphs more satisfying.
Balance Action with Reflection
Thrillers are a dance between adrenaline and quiet introspection. Witt’s narrative plunges readers into action—gunfights, escapes—but also pauses to explore the protagonist’s psyche. His discomfort with his actions, like reflecting on the “three dots” of his past murders, adds emotional depth.
Take your readers on a rollercoaster of fast-paced scenes and thought-provoking moments. This ebb and flow sustains engagement.
Reveal Layers of Danger
Witt doesn’t just pit Jacob against one foe; the threats multiply. The police, a mysterious gang, and even his memories become antagonists, creating relentless tension.
For your thriller, keep raising the stakes. Introduce new layers of peril, pushing your characters to their limits.
Close with Impact
The essence of a perfect thriller lies in a satisfying climax. All threads must converge in a way that shocks yet feels inevitable in hindsight. Writing a thriller is no small feat, but with the right ingredients—vivid settings, compelling characters, and a dash of chaos—you can create a story that grips readers like A Memory’s Web. Remember, suspense isn’t about the moment of revelation but the agonizing wait before it.
So, are you ready to write your masterpiece? Remember: don’t let the reader catch their breath.And for inspiration, pick up a copy of A Memory’s Web by Chris Witt.
