Happy Halloween!
Did y'all like those scary photos on Friday?
Well, here's what's hanging around my house.
Decidedly UN scary!
But that's OK. We have mostly single-digit kids around here, and many aren't even in school yet, so we keep that in mind. They still react when a witch with-a-smile or zombie who-likes-cookies-instead-of-brains opens the door :)
It's the unexpected twist.
And we all know how valuable twists can be when constructing our story. See? You didn't expect that, did you :)
Twists are cool in the plot, but don't limit yourself. Character twists are awesome. Twists in the setting can work well, too.
They don't need to be jarring or over the top, either. Subtle shifts can sometimes be even more effective.
How do you use twists in your work?
Speaking of twists, Hurricane Sandy is twisting her huge self into a frenzy right about now. Many of you will be subjected to her wrath for at least a few days. Please ...
Follow guidelines for your area.
Most of all, Stay Safe.
And as soon as you can, let us know when the danger has passed for you.
You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
And to all ...
Well, here's what's hanging around my house.
Decidedly UN scary!
But that's OK. We have mostly single-digit kids around here, and many aren't even in school yet, so we keep that in mind. They still react when a witch with-a-smile or zombie who-likes-cookies-instead-of-brains opens the door :)
It's the unexpected twist.
And we all know how valuable twists can be when constructing our story. See? You didn't expect that, did you :)
Twists are cool in the plot, but don't limit yourself. Character twists are awesome. Twists in the setting can work well, too.
They don't need to be jarring or over the top, either. Subtle shifts can sometimes be even more effective.
How do you use twists in your work?
Speaking of twists, Hurricane Sandy is twisting her huge self into a frenzy right about now. Many of you will be subjected to her wrath for at least a few days. Please ...
Follow guidelines for your area.
Most of all, Stay Safe.
And as soon as you can, let us know when the danger has passed for you.
You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
And to all ...
Comments
Yes, no one do anything stupid during the hurricane - stay safe.
I love cute Halloween decorations. Love the ghost!
Hoping for the best for those in the path of the storm.
Stina - Same here. I never know them in advance.
Elizabeth - I usually have to go back and build things in.
Teresa - Different-looking skies tend to freak me out a little.
Talli - So true. Usually that means replotting for me :)
L.G. - I think so, too.
Liza - Whew! I know you live near the water.
I plan to write a modern Cinderella twist book about the guy being the poor, nice maid-like person and the girl being princess-ly! My sister loves the idea!
Thumbs up to the twists we all look forward to - plot twists! Hope you are safe from the twisted hurricane.
I like stories with lots of twists, as long as I get to breathe at some points.
I see you're def in the spirit of the season.
Hope you're not anywhere close to that Sandy wench, Carol :(
The little ones are so cute in their costumes. We don't have any small ones in our neighborbood. ;(
I love (most) the photos you had on Friday. Not the spider. And my former cat (black, green-eyes, now deceased) could sometimes give me that snarky look.
Michelle - All safe. The storm is in the Atlantic, in the northeast of the US; I'm in Texas in the south central part near the Gulf of Mexico.
Johanna - Thanks :)
J.L. - So true about stopping to breathe. Some thrillers don't allow for much breathing room.
Dezmond - Glad you like our pumpkin :) The Sandy wench is far away from me!
Glynis - I love the little ones :)
Helena - A little snark adds a spark to life :)
But thanks for this, Carol. I'm very conscious of twists in my writing---and try to use both jarring and subtle twists...
And love to all those east! <3
Emily - I like twists like that, too!
Shannon at The Warrior Muse
Have a fun day.
Twists are tricky. It's hard to make them truly surprising without seeming contrived.
LR - I think twists are easier to write in short fiction.
J.A. - Garden Ridge or Hobby Lobby ... I forget which. Oooh, love 4-yr old trick or treaters :)
all my family lives back east, so I spent a large portion of yesterday trying to get a hold of people -- mostly my sister in New Jersey. They're all OK, so, phew.
Hope you have a great evening with the little goblins who visit :)
Southpaw - You could have each trick or treater pick up one thing :)
M Pax - So glad everyone is OK.
Jemi - Batman and The Bumble Bee arrived earlier :)
Julie - Same for me!
Hope that everyone is safe.
Hurricane Sandy spared us for the most part. Just a some down trees and a couple days without power, but many people are struggling with devastating losses. It's so sad. The power and the fury of Mother Nature.
Saw the devastation photos caused by Sandy- was awful.
One of my WIPs has a subtle twist towards the end. I can't wait to hear what my CP's have to say about it.
I love twists and in my stories I love mixing it up eg like as you said, twists in characters and settings.
Medeia - I love my glittery pumpkin, and I'm sure your CP's will love your twist :)
Lynda - Same here for me :)
Angela - So do I :)