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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!
I LOVE a good plot twist! :) For me, I like it because as a writer, I can go back and see how the twist is being set up. As a reader, I love that shock value of like "What?" LOL.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Karen. After I finish reading a great plot twist, I study the writing to see how the author pulled it off. Such fun!
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ReplyDelete(sorry for the deletions, heh-heh)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I adore plot twists, but like you said, it's tricky to get the balance just right. And you're right--studying the writing will help to see how the author pulled it off. That's invaluable! (Hehee, I love the "Luke, I am your father" twist too!) I've always loved mysteries, and if you drop clues in this way as a writer, it really adds to the readers' involvement in the story. :)
Really good post! Yes. Twists are awesome. And it's so tricky to make it so that the reader accepts it as natural by leaving clues, but still make it a surprise so they don't notice it.
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading "Popular" myself (like, last night) and you're right - stunning is a great word to describe that plot twist! I thought I'd figured out what I was reading, but then that little plot twist happened and, well...yeah. Like you said, don't want to spoil things by giving anything away! But I loved the book, I really did. Alissa did a super job writing it.
ReplyDeleteI read Alissa's book and had the same reaction as you!
ReplyDeleteDropping in clues really is a great way to involve the reader, Carol. Great point! And mysteries are wonderful examples of this, of course.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Lisa. I'll admit that in more than one manuscript, I've struggled with the story flowing naturally and still having a decent surprise at the end. It's hard to accomplish both some times.
I'm glad you both liked POPULAR and found the twist as surprising as I did, Sabrina and Jenn. It is hard to write about without giving anything away, isn't it?
My problem is not giving it away with clues too soon. Still working on that!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy books that have plot twists that make me think - gee, I didn't see that coming. That's part of what keeps me reading, the adrenalin rush when thing keep moving in unforeseen directions.
ReplyDeleteIn writing, I have to think hard about how I want my plot/characters to work with me to best effect. I like to throw some surprizes in there, which I why I prefer to use some kind of roadmap.
Thank you for the great shout out! So far my biggest problem with writing a book with a plot twist is figuring out a good way to describe it to people.
ReplyDeleteObviously, I do enjoy plot twists. One of my favorites is the story "All You Zombies" by Robert Heinlein. It's a great one, and one of those stories that you have to go back and read again after you get to the end. Also, just as a warning it doesn't have anything to do with zombies.
Moving to the top of the TBR pile. I love a good plot twist.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, too. This directly applies to my thought process in my WIP. I worked on a scene all day yesterday that was driving me mad. I finally left my computer and went to bed. When I got up today, I realized I did need to trash most of it. All I needed to do was plant a little seed way earlier. Let the pot thicken -- then twist!
I quite enjoy plot twists, but it may not be a good idea to wrap your reputation around them. A good plot twist provides clues along the way and are delivered so subtly, they're not picked up the first time around. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI've had a slightly crazy week, and my brain is a little mushy. I love plot twists, but the only one that I can think of right now is in the movie UNKNOWN, which I just saw not long ago. Don't want to give it away.
ReplyDeleteThanks for following my blog :)
I loved the time-turner in Harry Potter 3, Prisoner of Azkaban. I totally didn't foresee it, even though Rowling dropped plenty of hints.
ReplyDeleteLove a good twist!
Shelley
I've got the same problem, Lydia. My first drafts are filled with too many clues that I end up cutting out during revisions.
ReplyDeleteI agree, J.L.! For me, a roadmap (or outline, in my case) is a HUGE help in plotting out surprises before I scratch out the first draft.
You are most welcome, Alissa! And thanks for mentioning the story "All You Zombies." I'll be adding that to my list of things to read. : )
Planting the seeds sounds easier than it really is, right, J.A.? I think finding the right seed is the hard part. This often demands lots and lots of writing before the little bugger shows up. And then comes the trashing of all the other stuff.
Welcome, David! I think you nailed it when you wrote "subtly." Clues really have to be underplayed, don't they?
Hi Carol! I haven't seen UNKNOWN, but now I'm intrigued. And thank you for following, as well. : )
Welcome, Shelley, too. And thanks for the great reminder from Prisoner of Azkaban. I'd fogotten about that twist. Love those books.
I love shocking plot twists. Harry Potter has some good ones. I was just reading the Vampire Diaries books and the third book threw in a good twist too!
ReplyDeleteI love plot twists--anything to keep me guessing. I can't stand a story that I can figure out in the first fifty pages. There's just no reason to keep reading. Plot twists keep things exciting.
ReplyDeleteThe more shocking the better, I say, Kelly. : ) I haven't read the Vampire Diaries yet, but now I'm intrigued. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat's so true, Kelly. The more questions the better. And then, if I'm surprised with something unexpected, I'm a very happy reader.
I LOVE a great plot twist. The ending of MY SISTER'S KEEPER had a great twist. And midway through WIDEACRE there was a crazy twist that I still can't forget. But you're so right, writing them is tricky business!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read MY SISTER'S KEEPER or WIDEACRE yet, so thanks for mentioning these, Julie. You know a twist is really well done when it sticks with you after you finish the story!
ReplyDeletePlotting twists can be very tricky. Like you said, providing subtle clues and placing the twist in the right place is a skill to learn. I've just added a new twist to my current wip. I don't know if it's all working right now or not. Will have to figure that out once it's done!
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that your new twist works, Elle! Like you, I'm never quite sure if something really works until the work is done--and I'm revising. : ) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI loved the twist in Popular.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember other twists I've read, but I love that ooh and aah moment when one of them comes up in a book. It's delicious and makes me want to read on.
That's exactly what twists are--ooh and aah moments! Thanks for that, Medeia! : )
ReplyDeletelove twists/turns, esp the unexpected kinds...
ReplyDeletei try to add em, in even my 'twisted tuesdays' shorts...
speaking of which, will get back to em once the weather cools off!
The unexpected twists are definitely the best. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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