Plot Twist Reversals
How to subvert reader expectations in ways big and small— and why you should.
quick hello
plot twist reversals
resources
writing corners
next week
1. a quick hello
Hello #TeamCuriosity, and extra hugs, once again, for those of you who are struggling to make it through the week. We see you, we hear you, we love you. We’re with you.
We recorded this episode a few weeks ago and are happy to report that it’s full of nerdy craft content and laughter, so have a listen when you’re ready to learn about… reversals!
2. plot twist reversals
As is the Turning to Story way, we’re always scouring for craft content so we can keep upping our game, and when we find something that really clicks, we chew on it for a while, then share it with you! A few months ago, Lyssa read an interesting substack by author Parker Peevyhouse about “first chapter reversals,” which you can find here (and if you like a steady stream of craft content, consider giving The Writer’s Attic a follow. I mean, look at that beautiful home page!). Lyssa mentioned it in a past craft corner and has been chewing and chewing, noticing reversals everywhere she looked— and not just in the first chapter, though those are particularly clever.
In this episode, we focus on how to subvert reader expectations by presenting them with a forced choice—let’s say A versus B, for example—and convincing them these are the only two plausible outcomes… then making C happen. This is the basic formula for a great reversal. Simple, yet when properly executed, you can deepen the emotional punch, heighten the stakes, and supercharge that third rail that keeps readers propelled to turning pages.
We go through a TON of examples in this episode, from first chapters to final acts, the big moments and the tiny ones. Don’t worry, we give fair warning before each example in case you don’t want something spoiled!
This is truly a learning through examples topic, so have a listen as our minds get blown!
3. resources
Here’s the substack post we HIGHLY recommend you read. We discuss it during the episode as well.
During this episode, we use examples from The Hunger Games, Twilight, Bad Witch Burning, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin, Gone Girl, and My Sister’s Keeper.
4. writing corner
How does one write during divisive elections and random days off from school for kiddos? With peer pressure, of course! We have both begun to sink our teeth into our new drafts, using a spreadsheet to count our words, set daily goals, and project when we’ll finish our drafts (with a friend, which makes it extra fun!). It’s been motivating, despite all the challenges embedded in writing at the moment. To be fair, there were certainly days we just needed to practice self-care, but you know we love goals. We’re hoping that the extreme outline we developed (as a result of all of our research for the podcast) will help us complete full drafts in record time—without having to rewrite them from start to finish. Take a look at the daily graphs we’re using—note we have different start points, based on words we’d already written, and different writing schedules.
5. next week
Tune in next week for a mystery craft convo! Stay curious!
Thank you for recommending my article about reversals! Can't wait to listen to your new episode.