Keeping things interesting

Some stories, in order to hold a reader's attention, will be made up of intense event followed by battle scene followed by action. Bam! Bam! Bam! In this society, it is hard to get someone to stop and listen for any length of time. Writers in general often struggle to hold their reader's attention for any length of time. Some solve that problem by having constant suspense. However, that is not always realistic, and some storylines simply won't allow for it. So how do we keep the reader engaged during every scene?

Character. Engaging characters will engage the reader, even when they are not in the middle of a fight. Their reactions, actions, thoughts, emotions, and expressions will draw us in. We want to see their unique outlook. Sound too simple? It's not. It really works. A dull scene with great characters will carry while a great scene with dull characters cannot. This is why it is so important to have 3D characters that come to life in the reader's mind.

Changing emotion. Every scene, intense or not, should contain a change in emotion. If not, it is wasted and should be cut or improved. It is the changes in emotion that really keeps the reader reading. Emotion is the core of story-telling. Maybe the protagonist starts out happy, but by the end of the scene she is troubled and questioning. Anything goes so long as the reader can feel it. I believe that is the essence of good story-telling. Feeling. The more you keep the reader guessing and on their toes, the better. Evoke on them the character's turmoil.

Clear plot. If a chapter feels pointless then it probably is. And that comes from a lack of clear plot. If your plot is clear and the reader knows where you are going, they will follow you through the calmer seas as well as through the storms. Everything should fit into a purpose that the reader can see, whether now or later. Otherwise, you're just wasting space, and the reader is wasting their time.

Hidden information. If done right, an air of mystery is very effective in keeping a reader reading. Whether it is simply an exchange about the past between characters or foreshadowing to some horror in the future, it will intrigue. Keep the reader guessing with unforeseen plot twists and hints of what is to come.

A great example of a story that does this is Wool by Hugh Howey. I am reading it right now, and I would definitely recommend it.

Can you think of anything else? Comment below!