As an author, you have the ability to wield great power. But you know what? You’re probably not wielding it. This power is scary. It probably scares you. It definitely scares your readers. But assuming you want to learn how to write books readers can’t put down–that is a most excellent thing. What power am […]
January 22, 2016 by 45 Comments ForeshadowingSetup and Payoff: The Two Equally Important Halves of Story Foreshadowing
I have good news and I have bad news. Let’s assume you have a killer story idea. It offers unique plot developments and totally unexpected plot twists. That’s the good news. The bad news is that these deliciously original plot elements just aren’t going to end up working out for your readers. Why? For one […]
June 3, 2015 by 63 Comments ForeshadowingWhy Authors Can’t Afford to Dupe Their Readers (or Why Hawkeye Ruined Age of Ultron)
This week’s video talks about why a certain plot twist in Age of Ultron made me really, really, really mad—and how you can do better in your own stories. Video Transcript: So if you’ve been watching me for any length of time, you’ve probably figured out I’m a major Marvel fan. But I’m just going […]
July 30, 2014 by 27 Comments ForeshadowingForeshadowing’s #1 Job in Your Story
This week’s video reveals a simple but often overlooked function of foreshadowing that all writers should be aware of. Video Transcript: As you may have noticed (or maybe not) I’ve taken almost a six-month break from the video posts. So starting this week, I’m pleased to say that I plan to return to my old […]
July 24, 2013 by 27 Comments Plotting Your NovelHow to Shock Your Readers—in a Good Way
You want to give readers everything they’re hoping for when they pick up your story. Somewhat contradictorily, one of the things they’re hoping for is to be shocked. Readers love it when authors surprise them. Backbones straighten up, mouths fall open, breaths get sucked in, heart rates speed up. It’s awesome! (As a writer, the […]
February 20, 2013 by 24 Comments CharactersIs Hiding a Character’s Identity a Good Plot Twist?
Authors are always trying to come up with ways to keep readers guessing, particularly as the “unexpected” element of the ending comes into play. We always want to catch readers a little off guard. We don’t want them to have everything figured out before the ending. So we try to come up with surprising twists. […]
February 13, 2013 by 22 Comments Novel EndingsThe Biggest Problem With Trick Endings
Most readers love trick endings. How long have people been talking about The Sting or The Sixth Sense? And what author among us wouldn’t like to replicate that kind of excitement and memorability? But there is a big problem with trick endings. When they work, they’re amazing. When they don’t work, they make readers grumpy and […]
