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What is almost as much fun as Twister (the game, that is)? How about a good plot twist? Okay, maybe two good plot twists? (Insert ba-da-dum drum beats here.) I’ve got plot twists on my mind because I’ve recently finished reading Popular by Alissa Grosso, which has a stunning (that’s STUNNING, people) plot twist. And that’s all I am going to say about Alissa’s novel as I do not want to give away anything about her plot and that surprise twist.
Do you enjoy a change in the expected outcome or direction of a story? It can be startling and thought provoking and fun (at least I think so). Tell me you didn’t gasp when Darth Vader announced that he was Luke’s father. Seriously. Personally, my favorite plot twists happen when I am sure that I know what’s going on. Yeah, sure I know. That’s the fun of a good twist, right?
Writing twists, though, can be tricky. Timing and the proper placement of clues really matter. Too much information and a reader could see the twist coming and be unimpressed with the big reveal. Not good. Yet, if the twist isn’t properly set up, the reader could become confused. Twists, like many writing techniques, require balance and patience. Writing them, it seems to me, becomes a lot like walking a tight rope.
So, what are some of your favorite plot twists? Or, are you unimpressed with plot twists? Do tell!
