Life and Surprises… Back to Blog
So, I’m about to go on a surprise tangent, but, if you’ll walk with me a bit, I’ll bring it back to the topic of writing–promise.
Over the weekend, I had a surprise party at my house for my good friend Ashley. It was one of those fun, milestone birthdays (won’t mention which one cause I want her to continue being my good friend!). Her expression was priceless when she came inside and saw all of her friends and family–and the night was so much fun (due to the company, the champagne, and the margaritas). But, thinking about the surprise factor got me to considering…
Plots–and the surprises in plots. Everyone loves a good surprise. And if you’re reading a book and an author can catch you off-guard, well, I think that’s a great thing. One of my pet peeves in life is that I can predict the ending of most TV shows and movies. Generally within about ten minutes, I can say who the villain is, why he’s committing the crime–it drives my husband crazy. So, when I’m surprised, I LOVE it.
I think it’s important for writers to put twists and turns in their stories. To try and keep the reader guessing–and not perfectly predicting. With my WIP, a surprise caught me off-guard the other day. I really thought I’d plotted ou the ending of this book (cause I’m in the final stretch, woo-hoo!!), but this twist just popped out at me–and I had to use it.
But what about you? Earlier, I said that everyone liked surprises, but maybe I’m wrong. What’s your take on the surprise situation?
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Cindy, I’m the same way! I guess who done it in books all the time, and in TV shows. I love it when I’m surprised. And I figure, too, that if I’m surprised, so is the reader. 🙂
I can usually figure out the culprit/villian in most tv shows,books and movies, too. In books, I love a surprise. In real life? Not too much. *G*
I LOVE book surprises, providing they are satisfying. A surprise that ends up making the ending suck is awful.
And for some reason Johnny Depp is in my head as Willy Wonka going: “The Best prize is a SUR prise.”
Ah, Edie–I knew we had a lot in common!!
Hi, Brandy!! You know what–I think I like my surprises better in fiction situations, too. 🙂
Hey, Zoe!! Oh, yeah, I’m not for the sucky surprises, either–the kind where say, the hero dies–ah! Not for me.