Plot Twists –– Part III

Continuing our look at crafting a spectacular plot twist, this time we’ll look in detail at a couple of the “tips” mentioned last time. #amwriting #plottwists What questions will you ask yourself to maximize reader satisfaction? Click To Tweet What questions will you ask yourself to maximize reader satisfaction?

In this post, we’ll look at: 1) generating various worlds of inevitability, 2) spinning expectations around, and 3) eradicating the obvious in order to create a plot twist that will curl your reader’s hair.

Generating Various Worlds of Inevitability

1. What do I need to change to create a more believable world for each separate twist I’m including?
2. How can I drop the gimmicks and depend more on the strength of the narrative to build my twist?
3. Will readers have to “put up with” the story that’s being told in anticipation of a twist ending, or will they enjoy it even more because of the twist? How can I improve the pre-twist story?
4. How can I make better use of the clues that prove the lotic of the surface story to create the twist and bring more continuity to the story––but only after the twist is revealed?

Spinning Expectations Around

1. What expectations will readers (or editors/agents) have when they see the packaging of this book (or proposal)?
2. How can I use these expectations to lead readers down one road but then land them on another?
3. Can I have the protagonist make a moral choice at the end that both satisfies readers and surprises them?

Eradicating the Obvious

1. What are all the apparent solutions to the problem posed by the climax? List them. Then think of three more. List those. Then cross them out––they’re off limits. Now what ideas present themselves?
2. Based on the protagonist’s resources (mentors, tools, helpers, special abilities, etc.) how can I have her resolve the climax in a way that readers won’t anticipate? Where do I need to remind readers about these resources?
3. Foreshadowing eliminates coincidence. What do I need to foreshadow to make this ending inevitable and unexpected?
4. How can I foreshadow any help the protagonist receives on the way to the climactic conclusion and avoid a climax that relies on chance or coincidence?

The goal of any amazing plot twist is to leave the readers astonished and extremely pleased with how the story turned out. The goal of any amazing plot twist is to leave the readers astonished and extremely pleased with how the story turned out. Click To Tweet

If you follow these guidelines and ask yourself the right questions as an author, you’ll be able to stun your readers. #amwriting #plottwists

What about you? What wondrous plot twists have you read or seen lately? Leave a comment and let me know.