Trouble writing chord progressions in minor?

Question

I've been composing in major for some time and decided to work in a minor key for practice. It's not going too well – I'm having trouble using common techniques in major, such as utilizing the powerful V-I relationship, or using the vi chord to replace the I chord to create suspense, in minor. Are these tricks applicable? Or do these things fly out the window when I move to minor keys? My song right now doesn't sound bad, but it is lacking tension and release, suspense, anticipation, momentum, etc. Any tips? Let me know if I can provide more details. Song (A minor) Verse: iv-VI-III-VII(6/4) Bridge VII-III Chorus VI-VII-i-III

Answer 1

Have you tried using half-diminished chords serving as the 'ii'?

That is a pretty tense chord.

In Jazz and Gospel music, a minor [ ii - V - i ] uses a m7^b5 as the 'ii', and it creates a lot of momentum.

You can try some [ III - VI - ii - V - i ] 's?

Are you working strictly with classical sonority, or is this an option?