![]() But we can add the unexpected on a micro-level too. Obviously unexpected plot changes happen on a macro-level. ![]() An unexpected character reaction (behavior or thoughts). We flip the situation into reverse, doing the opposite of what the reader expects.Ģ. Or maybe the good thing our character is striving after turns out to be life-threatening instead. Perhaps we make the reader think danger will hit one person, but then we shift it to another. We want the reader in hindsight to be able to see the subtle clues we planted that warned them about the coming loop. In fact, I'd go as so far to say, that the new loop must be integral to the plot. Of course, we don't want to add in something isolated and unrelated to the plot simply for the sake of generating more drama. We need to change things when they least expect it, usually right when they're getting comfortable with the ride the way it's going. But then once in a while, we need to throw them into a loop. Our stories ought to put readers on a roller coaster ride, with the usual ups and downs, twists and turns. But adding fresh spins and unique story-lines is usually one of the hardest things for writers to do (especially because it seems like everything has already been done).īut there are essentially two major areas where we can focus on adding the unexpected: Readers lament about plots and characters being predictable. Those unexpected loops got me thinking about how we as writers often overlook the potential of adding in the unexpected. ![]() He threw in a couple of unexpected plot twists (which I won't divulge in an effort not to spoil the book). One technique I noticed in The Fault in Our Stars that I particularly liked was the author's ability to take me (the virtually un-surprisable) by surprise. It's well written, engaging, and VERY heart-wrenching. So I wanted to find out why the book was so popular.Īfter finishing the book, I can see that there are a lot of reasons the book has been successful. While I'm not normally drawn to reading books like that, my daughter and her friends were talking about. That happened to me recently when I was reading The Fault in Our Stars, a bestselling YA that deals with teenage cancer, death, and grief. I suppose that's why I absolutely adore when I don't see something coming in a book, and it hits me square in the face. of course when they're in fiction.īut usually surprises in fiction are as rare as surprises in real life. In fact, I'm too much of a planner, too logical, and too practical. Not only is it difficult for my kids or husband to get much past me, I don't really like surprises all that much. I can probably count on one hand the times I've been truly surprised. It's pretty tough to get anything past me in real life. By Jody think I'm one of those people built with an internal "surprise radar." I can sense a surprise coming, spot the clues, and figure out what's going on without my family realizing I've discovered the "big surprise."
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