How Watching TV Can Make You a Better Storyteller

TV writing is a masterclass in storytelling efficiency and pacing. From gripping pilots to intricate episodic arcs, television offers a treasure trove of lessons that authors can use to elevate their own craft. That's why my favorite workout program is The Couch Potato Challenge. I believe that studying TV might be the most invaluable craft exercise you will ever added to your writing routine.

The Blueprint: What TV Pilots Can Teach You

Television pilots are the ultimate storytelling challenge. In just one episode, writers must:

• Introduce the world and setting without info dumping.

• Hook viewers immediately.

• Establish characters and their goals.

• Set up central conflicts.

• Pay off those setups with a satisfying resolution.

• While also, enticing viewers to come back next week for more of the same… but different.

Mastering Pacing: Keep Them Coming Back

Within the pilots, and all television shows, you get another set of valuable lessons (or exercises), and that's the art of overcoming the interruption. Episodic TV must keep viewers engaged even when commercials interrupt the flow. To do this, writers end each act on a compelling beat—a cliffhanger, revelation, or moment of high tension. These breaks are basically punctuation marks that keep you in your seat for the two and a half minutes of commercials.

Punctuate Your Chapter Endings: The Art of the Hook

Chapters are the heartbeat of your novel, and how you end them determines whether your readers will eagerly flip the page or set the book down. As an author, you can think of chapter endings as punctuation marks in the larger story—each one serving a distinct purpose to guide your readers' emotional response. These chapter "hooks" are the literary equivalent of the teases before a commercial break, ensuring your audience stays engaged.

Here’s how punctuation marks can inspire your chapter endings and keep your readers hooked.

The Period: A Full Stop

The period marks the end of a thought. When used as a chapter ending, it signals resolution and provides readers with a moment to breathe.

How to use it:

• Wrap up loose ends. Resolve a subplot, provide clarity, or offer closure for a character’s internal conflict.

• Transition naturally. Use it sparingly to allow readers to pause before diving into the next chapter.

Example:
“She took a deep breath, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Tomorrow would be another day.”

Personally, I would close the book and take a break at this point. Let's use the Period Hook sparingly.

The Exclamation Mark: High Impact

An exclamation mark delivers a jolt of energy or emotion. End a chapter with one to leave readers reeling with excitement, shock, or intense feelings.

How to use it:

• Deliver a surprise. Drop a bombshell revelation or plot twist.

• Heighten emotions. Use it when characters are in the midst of an intense moment.

Example:
“She turned the corner—and ran straight into him!”

I don't know about you, but I'm turning the page to see how this goes! However, like the Period, you also want to use Exclamation Marks sparingly. Too many of these endings can exhaust your readers and diminish their impact.

The Question Mark: Building Suspense

A question mark pulls readers forward, inviting them to search for answers in the next chapter. It’s the classic tool for creating suspense.

How to use it:

• Pose a mystery. Leave your readers wanting to know what happens next.

• Hint at danger. Close with a question that implies looming trouble.

Example:
“But who had sent the letter—and why?”

Curiosity will get the better of most readers and they'll turn the page to see if the answer is there at the top of the next chapter. Be a meanie and put it on the second, or third page. By the time they get there and see the answer, it's too late…

The Ellipsis: To Be Continued…

Ellipses create the sense of an unfinished thought or moment, suggesting that the story will pick up immediately where it left off.

How to use it:

• Leave readers dangling. Interrupt a scene to create anticipation.

• Stretch the tension. Use it when the next chapter will resolve or deepen the moment.

Example:
“She reached for the doorknob, her heart pounding….”

And then what happened? Only way to find out is to turn the page and… keep reading to see —

The Dash: Abrupt and Intriguing

A dash is the master of interruptions and surprises. It’s perfect for endings that take an unexpected turn or pivot to another idea.

How to use it:

• Cut off mid-action. End a scene suddenly to heighten suspense.

• Set up a twist. Use it to pivot the story in a new direction.

Example:
He opened the envelope and—

Okay, so it's not grammatically correct to just leave the dash there. But we're artists and we pay our editors, so they can let one or two slide so that readers will binge your book.

Choosing the Right Punctuation for Your Chapter

When deciding how to end your chapter, consider the emotional tone and purpose of the scene. Do you want readers to feel satisfied, curious, or desperate for more? Here’s a quick guide:

• Period: Offers closure or a moment of rest.

• Exclamation Mark: Creates urgency or excitement.

• Question Mark: Sparks curiosity and suspense.

• Ellipses: Leaves the moment unresolved.

• Dash: Ends with a twist or abrupt shift.

Hooking Readers Through Rhythm

Just like varying sentence structure, alternating the type of chapter endings you use keeps the rhythm of your story engaging. Combine quieter resolutions (periods) with cliffhanger moments (question marks, dashes, or ellipses) to create a dynamic reading experience.

The art of chapter endings lies in leaving readers no choice but to keep reading. Whether it’s a gasp, a laugh, or an urgent need to know what happens next, your punctuation-inspired hooks ensure your readers will never want to put your book down.

Ready to perfect your pacing and hooks?
Discover how Page Turner Pacing can revolutionize your storytelling. Whether you’re a pantser or plotter, this system will teach you how to captivate readers from the first page to the last! The Page Turner Pacing Kickstarter, where I teach my writing craft philosophy, is LIVE!

Want to read more about using punctation to hook your readers at the ends of chapters. Here’s a post with more information on Punctuating Your Chapter endings.