: Re: When to finally reveal plot twist to characters? In a post-apocalyptic novel I'm writing (which is the subject of many questions I've asked on Writing.SE), I recently cut out my entire Chapter

The 8-point arc:

Stasis (Normal World)
Trigger (Inciting Incident)
The quest (Leaving the Normal World)
Surprise[s] (actions complicating/learning the problem)
Critical choice (Understanding, then choosing risk)
Climax (Solving the problem, incurring the costs)
Reversal (Fallout -- problem solved, underdog on top)
Resolution (The New Normal World).

I believe you are on track! In (4)[surprises] the nature of Eris' problem is something she needs to become certain of. The deaths are her fault. There can be no more question in her mind, or the reader's mind. This is a complicating factor, a conflict, she knows she is guilty and is reluctant to do anything about it, because it has the potential to ruin her life. There should be some consequences for keeping this secret, even if she is the only one that feels them.

In (5)[Critical Choice] Eris needs to come to the realization it is going to definitely ruin her life if she continues to let this secret fester inside her. It will destroy her relationship. Perhaps her love interest is despondent over the death of his mother, or thinks he knows who did it and plans to take vengeance on an innocent person -- Making Eris responsible for yet another death. She has to make the critical choice to risk her relationship by revealing the truth, with the evidence for it.

In (6)[Climax] She does this. It doesn't have to be the only climax, but it could be. Perhaps she does this after the main Climax.

In (7)[Reversal] She is forgiven.

In (8)[Resolution] Her relationship is consummated, with no deceptions, she is loved for her true self.

Load Full (0)

: Why is it that when I get to the end of writing my book, I get discombobulated and want to give up? I've noticed this about most of the books I write, except for my short stories/novellas.

@Welton431

Load Full 1 Comments

: I'm not a RPG player, but it sounds to me like you are engaged in standard fiction writing with a 3rd person neutral narrator; perhaps unlimited (knows what all characters think and feel).

@Welton431

Load Full 0 Comments

: I gave my characters names that are exactly like another book. Is it a problem? Ok, so, I am currently writing a book and 3 of my characters have the same name as in another novel. I didn't

@Welton431

Load Full 3 Comments

: Term for future-tense technique that isn't exactly foreshadowing Not sure if this has a name, but I think it's best demonstrated with some examples I've seen: Nadia and her family both considered

: Re: When to finally reveal plot twist to characters? In a post-apocalyptic novel I'm writing (which is the subject of many questions I've asked on Writing.SE), I recently cut out my entire Chapter

More posts by @Welton431

: Why is it that when I get to the end of writing my book, I get discombobulated and want to give up? I've noticed this about most of the books I write, except for my short stories/novellas.

: I'm not a RPG player, but it sounds to me like you are engaged in standard fiction writing with a 3rd person neutral narrator; perhaps unlimited (knows what all characters think and feel).

: I gave my characters names that are exactly like another book. Is it a problem? Ok, so, I am currently writing a book and 3 of my characters have the same name as in another novel. I didn't

: Term for future-tense technique that isn't exactly foreshadowing Not sure if this has a name, but I think it's best demonstrated with some examples I've seen: Nadia and her family both considered

Login to post a comment!

0 Comments

Back to top