Behind the Scenes: Chapter Eight of Wrongful Accusations
How to Build Suspense and Deliver a Satisfying Climax
In Chapter Eight of Wrongful Accusations, Sassy is finally home recovering, but she’s far from done with her investigation. The moment she gets back to business, she sets a trap for Neil the Neighbor—the man who nearly killed her. This chapter is a prime example of how to blend suspense, humor, and strategy to create a payoff moment that feels earned.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Neil. Where were you when I got hit by that van?”
“Well, I was working…”
“Where’s the van now, Neil?”
“The what?”
“Neil, don’t play dumb with me. You know who I am, you knew I would find out it was you.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt you that bad. I just wanted you to sit still long enough to talk to me. So you can get to know me. I wanted to get your attention, so I could show you that I was a good guy. And here you are, standing in my living room, actually talking to me.”
How I Came Up with This Scene
This moment was a long time coming. Here’s why it worked:
A Full-Circle Moment: Sassy suspected Neil all along, but now she has proof and takes charge of the situation herself. She doesn’t wait for justice—she sets it up.
Blending Suspense and Humor: Sassy keeps her cool by playing Neil, luring him into a false sense of security with her best chocolate milkshake act—right before the police crash in. The scene is tense but also laced with her signature wit.
A Satisfying Payoff: Neil was creepy from the start, but now we see just how dangerous he truly was. Not only was he stalking Sassy, but he had surveillance footage of other women in the building. His arrest feels justified, and it ties up one major threat in the story.
This scene was fun to write because it allowed Sassy to be both clever and fearless. She didn’t just survive—she turned the tables on her stalker in the most satisfying way.
Writing Takeaway
If you’re building toward a big payoff moment in your story:
Let the Protagonist Take Control: Readers want to see the main character actively solving their problems, not just reacting to danger.
Foreshadow the Climax: Small details—like Sassy knowing Neil had a van—paved the way for this moment, making it feel earned rather than sudden.
Make It Personal: The best showdowns aren’t just about catching a bad guy—they’re about settling something deeply personal, whether it’s fear, power, or unfinished business.
Try It Yourself
Think about a major payoff moment in your writing. Does your protagonist drive the action, or are they just reacting? How can you use humor, tension, or clever planning to make the scene even more memorable?
I’d love to hear how you approach these moments in your stories! Hit reply/comment and let me know.
Until next time,
Susie
P.S. Catch up on all chapters of Wrongful Accusations here.
P.P.S. Check out the other breakdowns here.