When I was growing up I loved reading middle grade novels. I would devour mystery and adventure stories to the point that I couldn’t wait to get back to the library to get more. What made those middle grade novels appealing? It was the cliffhanger chapter endings. I couldn’t wait to turn the page.
A writer wants the audience to keep reading. She wants the story to capture the imagination and draw people into the action itself. But if the chapter ends in a regular old way, the readers won’t have the curiosity to continue on.
A good cliffhanger builds up tension without giving the outcome away. It captures your attention to the point that you regret putting the book down. It makes a good story into an exciting tale where the reader asks, “What’s going to happen next?”
Make sure your middle grade chapters have cliffhanger endings. You’ll keep your readers interested and wanting to come back for more.
Contributed by Catherine L. Osornio
