Photo by Markus Winkler
Quinn’s Dilemma by Bruce N. Ball is a suspenseful mystery thriller book with government stings. Its pages and gritty depiction of government operations against criminal enterprises will have readers wanting–but not really–to turn the pages, skipping text, just to see what happens next.
But for writers who are looking to do the same with their scenes and how they should portray the might of the state in their books–what should be done?
A Small Fraction of the Might of the State
If you want to show the power of the state at its mightiest, it’s easy. Just show them winning thoroughly against another weaker state. Pens down. All good. Next article.
Oh, wait.
That doesn’t really mesh well if you’re writing a mystery suspense thriller, though. So, what’s a guy to do?
Well, first off, the government sting operation. It’s a real staple of thrillers and spy novels. Any book that has a political angle probably has it. Even the occasional crime drama can have a government sting or two.
That’s because the allure of such an occasion is undeniable. There are shadowy figures, high-stakes chases, and the ever-present thrill of either the protagonist winning or the antagonist losing.
Photo by Toni Malfilatre
But knowing how to throw all that into a scene and make it truly compelling and riveting can be difficult. It’s not just having an undercover agent prevailing over a hapless criminal or anything.
Writing a good government sting scene in a book is not a walk in the park. If you want to write a proper one, it requires a delicate and measured balance of tension, plausibility, and a thorough understanding of the dynamics of power.
How to Write Good Government Stings
REALISM AS FOUNDATION
Firstly, the most important thing you really need to consider is how to ground your sting operation in reality. Movies often depict sting operations as elaborate and bombastic events. There are lots of explosions in the background, and heavy sounds of gunshots punctuate the scene. This is not actually the case in real life. Actual stings–especially the most effective ones–are based on meticulous planning.
So, before imagining what will be happening in your scene:
- Research which agencies you may want to involve in the operation: FBI, DEA, CIA, etc.
- Dig deep into their standard operating procedures and extrapolate potential scenarios with them.
- Be familiar with surveillance techniques, wiretapping laws, and the actual chain of command within these organizations.
This accordance with accuracy should extend to your portrayal of criminals and other non-governmental entities and characters.
Don’t stick to stereotypes, especially with your main villains. Properly explore their vulnerabilities and make them multi-dimensional characters who actually have a dynamic role in the narrative, not just bad guys for the good guys to beat up.
Photo by Reiner Schneider
SUSPENSE AS STRUCTURE
Building suspense through subtle foreshadowing is key. Before the pivotal government sting operation comes into play, plant seeds of doubt and uncertainty. Don’t make it so that the operation is a certainty and the good guys will win. Give your villains a fighting chance! Have them be suspicious, have complications happening at opportune moments, and don’t pave the way for your heroes. Make them fight for it!
ON WRITING WEIGHT
Thirdly, depicting the scene as an actual dynamic scenario will help you anchor your readers. As such, don’t wince at the idea of depicting the physicality of the sting. Use the most of your linguistic abilities, and don’t neglect the sensory details. You want your readers to construct a mindscape–one where they can overlook everything and keep check on all the details, so when the climax happens, they won’t be flabbergasted by the turn of events. The key here is to let the scene work properly. The might of the state might be heavy but don’t just use it as a wrecking ball.
THE BEAUTY OF THE UNEXPECTED
Finally, don’t shy away from unexpected outcomes. The most compelling sting scenes defy easy resolutions. You don’t want readers to see the outcome from a mile away, but you also want them to be able to piece together potential and plausible scenarios.
These unexpected twists can breathe new life into a familiar trope, challenging reader expectations and leaving a lasting impact.
Portraying the Might of the State
Remember, the might of the state is a powerful tool, but it’s in the subtle nuances, the unexpected twists, and the exploration of the human condition that true literary power resides.
Quinn’s Dilemma is available for order here.
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