Write to Thrill: How to Craft Commercial Stories with Literary Depth
When I was in college, I took an advanced creative writing class. The class was small and intimate, and the professor was knowledgeable and interesting. During the course, the professor had us read Thrill Me: Essays on Fiction by Benjamin Percy. While I am not usually a fan of nonfiction, it was an engaging read and helpful for learning the art of fiction.
The book is a collection of essays that explore the craft of writing, particularly focusing on storytelling techniques that engage readers. Percy blends literary and genre fiction, advocating for a balance between literary depth and the gripping qualities of thrillers, horror, fantasy, and other commercial genres.
Borrowing some insights from Percy, I wanted to dive into 5 strategies for combining depth with entertainment in commercial fiction.
1. Embrace the Power of Story
Percy reminds us that story is king. Readers don’t keep turning pages because of beautiful prose alone; they turn them because they need to know what happens next. Plot should be structured with momentum, tension, and stakes. Every scene should pull the reader forward, using cliffhangers, unanswered questions, and character-driven suspense to create urgency.
The best concrete, technical lesson I’ve learned about suspense is to have several problems throughout the book that drive one central dilemma. These little problems can be resolved and can provide hints to questions and insight into characters, but they should progressively add to the tension of the central dilemma which should remain unresolved until the climax.
2. Develop Multi-Dimensional Characters
One of the hallmarks of literary fiction is deep, psychologically rich characters. In commercial fiction, on the other hand, character development is sometimes sacrificed for the sake of action. Instead of choosing one over the other, aim for characters who are complex, flawed, and emotionally compelling. Percy suggests giving characters not just a goal, but an internal contradiction—something they wrestle with that adds depth to their journey.
This is one of my favorite elements of writing—creating complex characters. Stories can be fast-paced and entertaining while still allowing characters to feel real and relatable.
3. Use Language with Purpose
Lush, poetic prose shouldn’t be reserved only for literary fiction. However, in commercial storytelling, clarity and momentum take precedence over indulgent language. The best approach is to craft sentences that are both evocative and precise. Percy encourages writers to use strong, sensory details that enhance the experience without bogging down the pacing.
A common tip for writing fiction of any kind is to only write what’s necessary. Prose should be succinct and efficient. However, keep in mind that sometimes setting the scene with deep, rich imagery is necessary to fully immerse the reader in the story. Aim for that sweet spot between description and action.
4. Weave in Theme Naturally
Themes in literary fiction are often explored through subtext and character arcs, while commercial fiction can sometimes be more direct. The key is to weave theme seamlessly into the fabric of the story—through conflict, symbolism, and character decisions—rather than forcing it into dialogue or exposition. When done well, themes emerge organically and resonate deeply with readers.
One thing to note, however, is that forced theme is ineffective. What I’d suggest is to write the story first and see what themes naturally come up. Then, during revisions, you can go back and add elements of these themes to earlier scenes.
5. Revise with Intention
First drafts often lean too heavily in one direction—either too plot-driven or too introspective. Revision is where you bring balance. Ask yourself: Does this scene push the story forward? Does it also reveal something new about the characters? Are my descriptions vivid but not overwhelming? Thoughtful revision ensures that every element serves both the narrative drive and the deeper emotional impact.
During revision, you can polish and perfect your story to craft an end product you are proud of. Something I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) is to take full advantage of revision. Let it be a process. Don’t rush it.
Conclusion
Merging commercial appeal with literary depth is challenging but rewarding. By focusing on compelling storytelling, rich characterization, purposeful language, and meaningful themes, you can create fiction that satisfies both casual readers and literary critics alike. As Percy advises, don’t just thrill your readers—move them.