Use vivid descriptions. For instance, describe the gloomy setting in great detail, like a dark and empty house with creaking floors. This can immediately set a sad mood.
Introduce a conflict right away. Maybe the character has just received some bad news, such as a terminal illness diagnosis. This kind of conflict grabs the reader's attention.
Use text overlays creatively. Instead of just writing how you feel, use poetic or thought - provoking words. For example, 'In the shadow of sadness, I search for a glimmer of hope.' Also, you can change the font, color, and size of the text to make it stand out. And include some interactive elements like polls or question stickers. Ask your followers if they have ever felt this way or how they deal with sadness.
Create a relatable character. If it's a story about a person losing their job, describe their hopes and dreams before the loss. How they worked hard to get where they were, and how now they feel like their world has crumbled. The more the reader can identify with the character, the more engaging the sad story will be. Also, build up the conflict gradually. Don't just jump to the sad part right away. Let the story unfold so that the reader is more invested when the sad moment arrives.
Use detailed backgrounds. For example, if the stick figure is sad because it's lost, draw a big, confusing maze - like forest in the background. This will make the reader or viewer feel more immersed in the stick figure's situation.
Create a sense of mystery. Drop some hints or foreshadowing about something strange or important that will happen later in the story.
To make an erotic story more engaging, focus on the details. Describe the sensations, the looks, and the feelings in a very detailed way. Also, add some twists and turns in the plot. Maybe a secret from the past of one character comes out during an intimate moment. This will keep the reader on their toes and more interested in the story.
It adds a sense of hope and redemption. In a story where the situation seems bleak, like a town facing destruction and all efforts to save it have failed so far. When a character decides to have one more try, it gives the story a new energy. The readers get invested in this last - ditch effort, whether it's a new scientific experiment or a plea to a powerful entity. This makes the story more engaging as the outcome of this one try can completely change the story's direction.
You can build suspense from the very start. Leave some questions unanswered. For example, start with a character waking up in an unknown place with no memory of how they got there. The reader will be eager to find out what happened. And don't forget to use emotions. If the character is feeling extreme fear or excitement at the start, the reader will be more engaged as they can feel those emotions too.
Use vivid language. For example, instead of saying 'the dog was big', say 'the massive dog loomed over me'. Also, add some humor if possible.
Use multimedia. For example, show a short film adaptation of the story if there is one. It can bring the story to life and help students visualize it better.
Use vivid language. For example, instead of saying 'it was a big dog', say 'it was a gigantic, shaggy dog with a booming bark'.