Among the most common recommendations thrown at writers is to always end a chapter/scene/paragraph/sentence on rising tension. Man, that makes for irritating prose.

Like most advice, good or bad, this is primarily aimed at those still learning. Limp plotlines are a common problem for newbies, so the impulse to remind them to keep us engaged is understandable. And even veterans are susceptible to info-dump and purposeless dialog and throat-clearing, all the bugbears that make the text drag. The problem here, as with all bad advice (badvice?), is not the intent.

The problem is that it’s the wrong prescription, and it’s overprescribed to boot. In some genres, a pell-mell dash with no letup is desired. But if you’re writing in that niche, you know that’s what you’re about. The reminder probably doesn’t mean much. No, this advice gets broadcast all the time as general-issue guidance. Did you think you were going for a somber tone, evoking loss and regret through imagery? Wrong — go back and punch it up. Laying the groundwork for a stunning reveal? Nope, we can’t allow that — tension only ever rises, haven’t you been listening?

Given the goal of reader engagement, writers have several options that are unrelated to the state of tension. Having something significant to say is a great start — wanting to write as opposed to wanting to be a writer. A strong voice will carry just about anything. An inventive premise will hook readers, as will rich world building. Stories do need tension, sure, but the art lies in managing and manipulating it. Requiring that it go up and up and up, always up, makes it predictable and wearying.

The reason most advice fixates on things like rising tension has less to do with whether it’s a common deficiency and more to do with it being somewhat empirical. Readers are likely to agree on whether or not tension is increasing, whereas tastes and moods determine our assessments of things like voice. But just because they’re difficult to quantify doesn’t mean you can’t get better at them. Let your story flow where it must. Never artificially raise the tension.

For more thoughts on the scarce good and copious bad advice writers receive, you can view our “advice” tag. Also, Reggie Lutz has weighed in on the matter recently, so go check that out!