Cliffhangers – Top Tips to Keep Readers on Their Toes

What makes a reader love a book—any book?

Cliffhangers.

A cliffhanger is when you leave a necessary piece of information unsaid at the end of a chapter or scene, compelling the reader to turn the page to find out what happens next. But once you offer that tempting moment of suspense, you must deliver on it in the next scene to hold their attention. Here’s how to master the art of writing cliffhangers—and what follows after.

How Do Cliffhangers Work?

• Most writers place cliffhangers at the end of chapters or key scenes to create tension and anticipation.
• A great way to learn this technique is by rereading your favorite books—chances are, the author left you hanging, curious, or anticipating action at the close of many chapters.
• Not every cliffhanger has to feel like an action movie. Sometimes a simple will-they-or-won’t-they moment or a mysterious line of dialogue is enough to keep the reader engaged.
• The goal is to make the reader desperate to find out what happens next—so much so that they can’t stop reading.

Mix It Up: Different Ways to Use Cliffhangers

A story’s plot moves in waves, with highs and lows. Cliffhangers can be placed at either:

• The peak of the wave – a moment of intense action or revelation.
• The trough of the wave – a quieter but emotionally powerful moment that lingers.

It’s impossible (or even optimal) to end every chapter with a car chase, a shocking discovery, or a first kiss. Sometimes, a reflective moment—one that leaves the reader emotionally invested—can be just as effective.

Types of Cliffhangers

Think of a cliffhanger as the moment where, if your book were a TV show, you’d yell “Cut!” right before something big happens. Here are some common types of cliffhangers:

1. Action Cliffhangers

• Leave the character in physical peril—hanging from a ledge, caught in a car crash, facing an armed villain.
• These moments create high-intensity stakes, forcing the reader to continue to find out how the situation unfolds.

2. Character-Based Cliffhangers

• Cut away after a major reveal—a character shares a secret, makes an unexpected decision, or overhears something life-changing.
• This shifts the story’s emotional stakes and changes how characters interact moving forward.

3. Plot-Twist Cliffhangers

• Drop a game-changing piece of information at the end of a scene—something that alters the entire story’s direction.
• Ending chapters at the moment of greatest impact will make readers eager to know what happens next.

4. Emotional Cliffhangers

• These are some of the most powerful cliffhangers because they tap into the reader’s emotional connection with the characters.
• Use deep POV to show how the character truly feels or have them confess something significant to another character.
• Readers turn pages not just for action, but to see how emotional moments play out.

Follow Through: Don’t Let the Tension Drop

Once you set up a strong cliffhanger, the next scene must deliver on its promise. Keep in mind:

• Momentum matters – the story should continue with the same level of intensity, whether through immediate action or thoughtful reflection.
• Avoid disappointing resolutions – if you build up a major moment, make sure the payoff is satisfying.
• Don’t overuse fake-outs – misleading cliffhangers (e.g., “It was just a dream”) can frustrate readers if done too often.

A well-crafted cliffhanger hooks the reader, but what follows keeps them reading.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like all storytelling techniques, mastering cliffhangers takes practice.

• Read widely – pay attention to how your favorite authors create suspense and tension.
• Experiment in your own writing – challenge yourself to end chapters with strong hooks that make it impossible for readers to stop.
• Get feedback – beta readers can tell you if your cliffhangers are effective or if they need more impact.

The more you practice, the better you’ll become at crafting cliffhangers that keep readers glued to your book, eager to turn the next page.