1) Evoke Curiosity

Begin your chapter by provoking the reader’s interest. Reveal a secret, generate a plot line, or create a mystery—making sure these elements have consequences further into the story.

2) Never End at Endings

Avoid ending a plot line at the end of a chapter. That makes it too easy for the reader to put down the book.

3) Think Middle to Middle

Whether you have a short subplot line or an extended one, begin the story in the middle of one chapter and end it in the middle of another.

4) Pose Questions

Construct your chapter endings so you ask a question instead of answer it.

5) Remember to Remind

Keep reminding your reader about the problem your character has, the trouble he’s in, or the goal he’s striving toward that’s just out of reach.

6) Honor the Inevitable

Remember that what happens next should be inevitable—but not predictable.