Today, we're going to talk about one of the most thrilling and challenging aspects of writing — plot twists!
Jack Black, playing RL Stine in the 2015 Goosebumps movie had one of my favorite quotes on the subject: "Every story ever told can be broken down into three distinct parts—the beginning, the middle...and the twist." A well-executed plot twist can take a good story and turn it into a great one, leaving readers gasping and wanting more. But how do you create a plot twist that keeps your readers engaged and invested in your story? Here are some tips:
Build suspense - The best plot twists are the ones that readers never see coming. One way to achieve this is by building suspense throughout your story. Foreshadowing is key here; plant clues and red herrings that lead your reader in one direction, only to pull the rug out from under them with a twist they never saw coming.
Break expectations - Another way to create a memorable plot twist is by breaking your reader's expectations. Set up a scenario that seems predictable, and then throw in a twist that turns everything on its head. The more unexpected the twist, the better!
Make it believable - A plot twist that feels too contrived or out of left field can leave readers feeling cheated. Make sure that your twist is grounded in the logic and rules of your story world. Even if it's unexpected, it should still feel like a natural progression of the story.
Don't overdo it - While plot twists can be exciting, overusing them can cheapen their impact. Use them sparingly, and only when they serve the story. Too many twists can leave readers feeling dizzy and disoriented.
Consider your audience - Lastly, think about who your readers are and what they might expect from your story. A twist that works well for a thriller might not land as effectively in a romance novel. Keep your genre and audience in mind when crafting your twist.
So there you have it, some tips on how to write a killer plot twist. Remember, a good twist should feel satisfying, surprising, and make sense in the context of your story. Happy writing!
-Andrew
The Indie Author Method
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