Congrats on your nomination - how exciting! There's nothing I love more than being surprised by my own plot twist in the middle of writing. So much fun!
Janet, great advice to not worry about twists in the first draft. It's far easier to go back and add them after the story is semi-finished. I also find my subconscious has often planted seeds w/o my knowledge. When I review the ms, tiny seedlings start popping out of the first draft soil that are the opportunities for twists.
I love this post for so many reasons. First of all congrats on all the good that’s going on with MMM! Your words about a good twist speak to me as a writer and a reader. I love to be fooled as a reader, but then scratch my head and realize that jewel was hidden right in front of me all along. I can see the breadcrumbs when I think back. As a writer, though—you make such a great point. You can’t get there without a true depth of understanding of the characters. For me, that takes time and thought and a lot of effort living with the people that will drive my story. Thank you, Janet! This helps a lot!
Thank you SO much. Yes, plot twists are the thing you really make work best in late stage revision, which is when you know everything else. I'm so glad this helps!!
Congrats on your nomination - how exciting! There's nothing I love more than being surprised by my own plot twist in the middle of writing. So much fun!
Thank you, Wendy!!! Yeah, it is super fun!
Janet, great advice to not worry about twists in the first draft. It's far easier to go back and add them after the story is semi-finished. I also find my subconscious has often planted seeds w/o my knowledge. When I review the ms, tiny seedlings start popping out of the first draft soil that are the opportunities for twists.
Exactly!! That's when you know your characters, theme, and even those little places where you can hide Easter eggs...
I love this post for so many reasons. First of all congrats on all the good that’s going on with MMM! Your words about a good twist speak to me as a writer and a reader. I love to be fooled as a reader, but then scratch my head and realize that jewel was hidden right in front of me all along. I can see the breadcrumbs when I think back. As a writer, though—you make such a great point. You can’t get there without a true depth of understanding of the characters. For me, that takes time and thought and a lot of effort living with the people that will drive my story. Thank you, Janet! This helps a lot!
Thank you SO much. Yes, plot twists are the thing you really make work best in late stage revision, which is when you know everything else. I'm so glad this helps!!