There are different approaches to making a reader cry. The tips below are what works for me and what I think is the simplist way. It is not the only method out there or the only method I use. If you are new to writing and want to know how to go about making your readers cry, this is for you. If you are not new to writing, give it a try anyway. You might learn something new.
1. Create a character that readers will get attached to.
2. Make it quick. This means don’t dwell too long on the sad scene. You lose momentum that way.
3. Work backwards. For example, if you have a character that will die, know from what, how, and why.
If you still struggle, I recommend practicing short pieces. Write a short story, around 1,000 words focusing on one to two characters. Describe/show what they are doing. In the final few sentences, tell what happened.
[NOTE: This is the short version on how to make a reader cry. This is meant for beginners, new writers who are clueless about making their readers cry. I didn’t want to bombard new writers with an extensive breakdown (as I’ve seen other blogs have done because it can be overwhelming). Start small and build your way up. I may post an in-depth version later for those who want a bit more.]
The Writing Sparrow 