Have you
ever gone to a movie and got up to the last minute and were blown away by the
ending? Several movies have provided some major twists over the last few years.
The Crying Game started it with the well, you know. Halloween, an overdone sequel
of epic proportions, still provides the necessary scream and uh oh on the big
screen. Now, think about writing the twists and turns. How does the anxiety and
excitement that you want the audience to feel translate on paper.
First my disclaimer, I can only pass along what has worked for me. Everyone doesn’t have the same ideas, so if there is something you can use, please do.
1.
Cut
a path for the character and go against it
There
are many times when I am working on a story and I have a clear idea of where it
is going and suddenly I decide, “Ok time to have some fun.” Going against the
grain and what you see the character doing and open up to the other paths the
character can take is a good thing. Don’t be afraid if it sways the story a
bit. As a writer, your creativity will take hold.
2. Don’t be afraid if your ending changes
Okay
so the hero didn’t get the girl and happiness didn’t prevail. So what. The
original fairytales that we all know and love had very sad endings. Then
someone came along and made them sweet and nice and Disney stepped in. Why not write the ending that can truly take
place? Why not say, the villain got the girl? You would be surprised at how
many people are routing for the villain anyway.
3. What if I lose the story
You
are the writer, there is no such thing as you losing the story. Some of the
best writers have not played it safe. Digging into place where you must dare
and creating the story that grabs and holds the reader is your job. Do it with
no fear and write on.
Write
your story and find your twists. They can be hiding in the simplest places.
Just where you thought it was safe to roam, take that other road and see where
it leads.
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