Writing The Twist in your stories

This article first appeared over at Write Anything.

One of the most enjoyable types of short stories to both read and to create is one with The Twist. An integral part to the art of writing this successfully is to not reveal the crucial line or clues too early. In fact, the later on in the story, the more impact it will have. The unexpected ending, usually with tones of irony or coincidental circumstance; brings a great deal of enjoyment to the reader, despite the initial shock or surprise they may experience with the sudden turn of events.

I would suggest, as a basis for writing a story with a twist, that you include these steps.

Shocked Face Image via Wikipedia

Stay focused from the start.

There is some debate on the word count for Flash Fiction (The standard, generally-accepted length being under 1000 words) and Short Stories ( usually under 2500 words). Regardless of the length, its best not to waste words, focusing on drawn out build ups to a crisis. In the same way you cannot waste words on giving your characters long winded descriptions of vast backgrounds. The focus for your story is to feed your reader information which will muddle their perception of the events as they unfold and then to offer clarity with the twist you introduce.

Look for a different POV

The twist in your story means that you are leading the readers to certain assumptions without deceiving them, but in the end they discover that they were incorrect. Look at the prompt or inspiration you have for your story and note different perceptions about that ‘thing’ or event. Look at it from animate and non animate points of view and from the eyes of different genres. Perhaps to tell this story you will need to depart from your normal or comfortable genre.

Sketch your Plot Out.

Plot your basic story in a predictable manner ( ie the ending which most readers would expect) Review key events or decisions characters make within the story and look past shallow perceptions to find a deeper, or darker motivation for those events to take place. Keep thinking of misconceptions and different points of view until you come across one you like and then plot the basics of your story. With that knowledge, review the ending and rewrite your sketched out finale. Be sure to decide what your surprise or twist will be before you begin writing your first draft.

The Smoking Gun.

Although there are no hard and fast rules with writing a twist in a story, you must adhere to one of Chekhov’s major principals of the Smoking Gun. “If you fire a gun in Act III, it must be seen on the wall in Act I; and if you show a gun on the wall in Act I, it must be fired in Act III.” To simply pull the rug out from under your readers feet, without solidifying evidence or enough passing references will leave them feeling unsatisfied, confused and in some ways cheated. A good twist uses forshadowing clues enough to wet the appetite and to key the readers in that there may be a surprise ending, but vague enough that many will miss its significance until the end.

Whilst placing your smoking gun in full view of your readers, ensure you also tuck away a few red herrings and some minor clues to the background or motivation of your characters. It’s a fine line in giving clues within your text but try not be too obvious. If readers can guess the outcome too soon they will tire easily of your story and you’ll not gain the outcome you were hoping for.

Although pacing is important and an individual matter, needing to be relevant to the style and genre of your story, refrain from revealing the twist too early in your story. Ensure that once it has been revealed that all pieces are tied up neatly.

Writing a good quality, interesting short story is a skill which many writers bypass in favour of telling their stories in a more verbose format. The art of the Twist in the Tale is both enjoyable for reader and writer to experience and one I hope to see a resurgence for in the near future.

My Writing Goals Oct

I have no idea where this month has gone… or how close NaNo truly is now.

Get a regular writing gig either print or internet
You know, after all the self development work I’ve done and read, you’d think that I’d have it clear in my head the right way to set intentions and ensure they have clarity.  Nup. All this year, I’ve been whining about getting paid work in print or on the internet for my writing.  Not once did I specify what sort of writing, nor did I have a time frame or any other details about it.  The universe delivers what you ask for – just sometimes its not what you thought you asked for.
A friend whose workmate from about 10 years ago had started a training company asked if she knew anyone who writes and would like a contract…I contacted this person and within a week was sitting in front of the directors with my resume in hand… and now (tonight) have been sent my first writing job.
TLC is, as I said, a training company – it delivers online courses in both diplomas and certificates ( in line with aust educational standards) in childcare, business, aged care, food and first aid. Basically they have unit outlines and needed writers to write the “textbooks” or learning guides which are sent to students… which is where I come in. As part of the work, I need to ensure there are assessment opportunities and linking to practical work as the student progresses.   As an ex-teacher, its fairly basic stuff in so much as its stuff that I’ve done before when writing curriculum – just some research and thought into creatively presenting it. It’s on a contract basis – and only for a short time- probably for the next 2 months or so especially as they have students waiting for the material as soon as its done.
Full attribution is given to the writers at the front of the books (which is kind of nice) and the pay is fairly ok ( hell fantastic given I get paid NOTHING at the moment) they suggest a unit takes around 40 hours or so to write/research/ edit and its expected that the booklet is around 70 pages long.  For this you get paid $1000.  Its something I can do at home, in my own time – so perfect!
I think next time, I’ll be reframing my intentions to where the paid work comes from.. but for now am pretty pleased.  I’ll be invoicing the work through Adrian’s company and will use whatever money I earn towards paying the company back for my new apple mac.

On another note about writing – Type A Mom has changed their google adwords policy – so now instead of getting .000001c every whatever, I’ll get .000002c… or whatever.. groan…. Am not planning to get rich from writing for that site.. however, am starting to collect articles to be put into an ebook on self defence tips.  I’ll be leaving the editing etc till the new year for this one… have FAR too much work on to do it now.

Fiction Friday every week

I have submitted every week this month ( one week there wasn’t one due to NaNo prep)
I’ve continued with my self challenge of writing in a different genre each week, so it gives me some incentive to read other styles and research things.

Enter 4 short story comps this year.

I suck.  I just haven’t looked at comps this month. Got to enter 2 more before end of year.. pressure is on.

Read one book a month

Got in three this month.

Breath  by Tim Winton – Both at Byron and Brisbane Wrtiers Festivals, the author Tim Winton had been mentioned numerously. I’m not afraid to say I’d never heard of him till then – just shows how disconnected I’ve been with current writing. I read Breath and was literally gobsmacked. It’s the story of two lads in 70s with the ferocity of the environment behind them the surf scene and the testosterone fueled angst of teenage years. Incredible ability to mirror theme in so many angles and evoke such emotion in a number of ways.
Essays by Issac Asimov – just getting into some thought processes behind science fiction, the progression and development of the genre through the ages and clarity on the effect it has on human kind.  Was both entertained and educated with reading these.  What a remarkable and witty gentleman he must have been to listen to.
Short story Collection - Nebula Award form 1974 ( Best Science Fiction Short Stories)  Old style Sci Fi with newer style ones integrating fantasy and a little softer styles. Some stunning entries in this edition.

Participate and complete NaNoWriMo

This is my second NaNo and I now have come to appreciate all of the in-jokes and after re-reading Karens ( from Write Anything) Workshops and other information to prepare for it, shake my head and smile at how wide eyed and ‘innocent’ I was last year. I am unsure if where I am now is a better place though and long for that innocence – that unknowing of what its all about. There were days last year I roared through the

chapter and did more than the ‘alloted’ number, there were days I struggled and it was like pulling teeth to reach it.
I won’t lie – I was extremely proud to have ‘won’ and like Paul in his post last week,  annoyed at those who put it down or discredit what NaNo is all about…. to write… for the sheer love of it… perhaps it will be published down the track , perhaps it just needed to be written.. no matter – its the act which is celebrated.

This year I am in a quandary (still) as to what to write – I have two fictional plots, and several characters desperate to air their views within them, as well as a non fiction piece which has been hanging round for literally years begging me to start to write it.  I’m also concerned as I have this writing job….can I actually write that AND my novel??  Will I ever actually get sleep in Nov?

I’m stressing ……..as last year I was very organized – done a lot of characterization research etc, this year… a few scant notes on each project.

I have, however mapped my month out with realistic days I can write. .. its 16.. nearly half a month….thats 3125 words a day….With a major milestone birthday (and its subsequent celebrations and family holiday where I am banned from taking even a pencil) as well as a milestone wedding anniversary( bla bla bla) I could be forgiven by some to say – sod it – don’t enter this year – its not worth it…. but now – as Paul said.. its a goal – not a target, I have 16 days dedicated to writing (at least one) of these manuscripts. I shall honour at at least with my best efforts and fullest of hearts

Attend Byron Writers Festival as well as at least 2 professional development workshops

I reckon this is kicked down – looking forward to next years round… maybe I can travel to some other places – other than Byron and Bris??