"Which is better: SUSPENSE or PLOT TWISTS?" |

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 94

  • @CandyThePuppy
    @CandyThePuppy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +95

    When I'm doing plot twists I tend to see the whole process differently than everyone else. Instead of making obvious hints like, "oh look, there's a knife on the table. Wonder if that's going to end up being used~" I instead take a more...idk how to even word it. XD I think first of the characters' involved motives (or the world's motives if it's something like a volcano erupting) and simply think of what would drive them to do such a thing. Then, early on, I am merely explaining their motive without saying what said motive will lead to. This basically a reversal of the twist villain who then has to monologue about their tragic past after revealing them as the villain. Basically just have the villain share subtle hints here and there first about why they may be a little unstable, have a tragic past they might want to make up for, and any goals they may be willing to do _just_ about anything to achieve... I do this for just about everything. From massive plot twists to odd little character quirks. Because if you express the motive for the action, at the very least it isn't as jarring to the reader.

    • @therealmaizing5328
      @therealmaizing5328 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I like to have subtle hints of plot twists in my stories. Things that, when a reader goes back, they see that hint in a new light and an observant reader might figure out the twist ahead of time.

    • @thefatbat5556
      @thefatbat5556 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      I think that's a better way, because I find the whole expositional monologue annoying and unrealistic. If I were the villain I sure wouldn't stand there gloating on the verge of victory and explain my whole plan to my enemy. I'd take care of business and celebrate victory after the fact like a sensible human being.

    • @jamesvanderbilt201
      @jamesvanderbilt201 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Would you say it’s similar to Daisy Darker?

  • @morganjones2744
    @morganjones2744 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    I was writing a paranormal mystery (drama) where the drama reveals things about the characters, and who may have killed the main character who is dead. She is still around as a ghost, watching things go down around her. She wasn't always a good person, has made some pretty big mistakes that some people may hate her for. Each character reveals something in their past with her. But there is also the detective looking at the evidence, and considering each story (some stories altered but the characters in order to protective themselves or someone else... ). Some of the surprise comes from the beginning is how she died. She thought she knew how she died and wanted to forget about it. But when she is forced to face the truth... She realizes there is more to her death than she had previously thought.

    • @courtneyj9906
      @courtneyj9906 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That sounds like it would be an interesting read

    • @funnynickname1126
      @funnynickname1126 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Omg I’m writing a paranormal mystery too, that’s so cool! :D I’d love to beta read for you if you’d like!

    • @ThreeFunnySisters
      @ThreeFunnySisters 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      omg if you ever publish please tell me the name

  • @thatonepossum5766
    @thatonepossum5766 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’ve never seen the show you talked about, but the exchange “you’re lying” “no I’m not” is now my favorite two lines in the history of television. The delivery just made it so good! xD

  • @taiwohakeem4279
    @taiwohakeem4279 2 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    I honestly am a huge fan of suspense and 1000% recommend using that more, as for plot twists they are UNFORGETTABLE when used right. They both play a great role in unfolding plots, love your channel btw.

    • @worthfightingfor2299
      @worthfightingfor2299 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Totally agree with this! 💯

    • @taiwohakeem4279
      @taiwohakeem4279 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@worthfightingfor2299 why thank you my fellow abbie lover 🤝

    • @worthfightingfor2299
      @worthfightingfor2299 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@taiwohakeem4279 absolutely! 😉 Lol I was just thinking that someone needs to come up with a name for Abbie's fans... 👀😂

    • @taiwohakeem4279
      @taiwohakeem4279 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@worthfightingfor2299 The Abbinators living in the Abbieverse IM SORR-

    • @worthfightingfor2299
      @worthfightingfor2299 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@taiwohakeem4279 I CAN'T EVEN 🤣

  • @Kittrianna
    @Kittrianna 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Foreshadowing! My favorite way to combine suspense and surprise. If you have bits of evidence leading up to a twist, the audience may notice something isn’t right which builds suspense, but they won’t have enough details to completely figure out what’s going on before the twist is fully revealed.

  • @z-halo
    @z-halo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Here's an idea: have plot threads (or subplots) that are at inverse stages.
    When one thread is in suspense, let the other one reveal a twist.
    It balances the reader so there are fluctuations from constant tension or constant surprise.

  • @VideoGameRoom32
    @VideoGameRoom32 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Plot twist. But a writer has to be careful if the payoff isn't there the audience will be disappointed and upset. There better be clues and foreshadowing somewhere before the plot twist is revealed. Some plot twist are in plan sight but the audience wasn't paying attention until they re-read or re-watch a movie.

  • @MeganNicole-hd5ej
    @MeganNicole-hd5ej 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I randomly found your channel a few weeks ago when I was researching complex world building. I clicked on your video, then I kept watching, watching, watching. I’ve watched almost every single writing video you’ve posted since the start of your channel and I’ve seriously never been so happy to find you Abbie. You’ve helped me so much, and my writing has improved a lot! You’ve helped me restore my confidence in my book that I’ve been working on for three years. You are absolutely amazing, thank you so much for making my story matter. 💕

  • @howhistorycouldhavehappene437
    @howhistorycouldhavehappene437 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Fantastic video, Abbie! I personally think a lot of new writers prioritize plot twists because of the shock factor and forget that suspense is by far the most common technique used and true, book changing plot twists are actually quite rare.

  • @Valkanna.Nublet
    @Valkanna.Nublet 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    A suspense and plot twist that I enjoyed was with the film The Relic (1996)
    It starts with a homicide detective working the case of some very brutal murders. He tracks the killer to a museum, and we get introduce to the rest of the cast.
    It's pretty good for suspense, plenty of dark shadows for a killer to hide in, more victims being claimed. There's also things said that make use question the narrative and make us (me at least) want to keep watching to find out what's really going on. Then suddenly, plot twist, it's a monster movie, throw out the thriller and add in more action.

  • @SabreXZ
    @SabreXZ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    I hope my book gets published lol. Here’s a question that you’ll probably never see! 😅 I’ve written a couple books but always trashed them..how did you decide to publish yours? I get scared and think everything I made isn’t good enough before actually trying. How do I get out of that mindset?

    • @unicorntomboy9736
      @unicorntomboy9736 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Traditional publishing is always best, if that's what you're asking

    • @spicychilly3636
      @spicychilly3636 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@unicorntomboy9736 isn't traditional publish much harder? You would have to write a manuscript for an agent, find an agent/publisher, and see if they accepts it or not.
      If they do accepts it, then all is settled. If not, then you have to keep finding one until some publisher accepts it. For example, JK Rowling's book Harry Potter wasn't published wasn't able to find a publisher for a long time because most of them thought her book wouldn't sell while she was a single mother but at the end, someone accepted it. I thought self publishing is easier because you have to be 18+, need a guardian's signature, and basically use your own money to publish your book. Abbie is an indie author and therefore, self published her own book with an agent. That's what I know

    • @conniehackney8885
      @conniehackney8885 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@unicorntomboy9736 not really
      It depends
      No publishing route is ths best

    • @unicorntomboy9736
      @unicorntomboy9736 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@conniehackney8885 I think it's much harder to get your book into bookstores without the traditional publishers backing you

    • @ScottyDMcom
      @ScottyDMcom 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Sabes, good enough consists of two basic parts. The more important part: can you tell a decent story? The less important part: is the mechanics of the book (grammar, etc) acceptable to your audience?
      This video, and most videos by Abbie, are all about telling a decent story. Characters: interesting, realistic, do we care, etc. The story problem: interesting, realistic, etc. Storyworld: familiar or exotic can we picture it, does it feel real? Stakes: will anyone care? Do you know how to handle POV? (who is telling the story and where are they in relationship to the action) If your storytelling is weak then you need, at minimum, a rewrite... or toss the story and write something else.
      There are aspects of the mechanics of writing that will kill a story dead. Do you know how to construct sentences and paragraphs? Do you know how to handle verb tense? (at least the basic tenses) Can you spell and are you familiar enough with homophones to avoid most pitfalls? Beyond that, you can muddle through and still find an audience. The storytelling might be awesome, but readers need to get far enough into it to see the storytelling is awesome. If your mechanics are weak then learn, then go back and fix your writing.
      How can you tell?
      Mechanics is glaringly obvious in the first page. Print out your first page and show it to a few of your book-loving friends, but from your post I don't see any obvious problems (still, it is only a single paragraph 😉).
      Find a local writing group that does critiques and join. Critiques are about writers helping writers improve their work and happen at the pre-publication stage. Don't even need a finished work, a chapter is a great start. Google, Meetup.com, and your local library can help you find them. Or the best online critique group (IMO) is CritiqueCircle.com, which uses a point system, so those who give critiques get critiques. You will learn as much by giving critques as you will by receiving them. Egos kill the effectiveness of any critique group, so find a group that doesn't allow egos to dominate (most groups are good, but one hears horror stories). Alternately you can find a critique partner, but IMO the more the merrier.
      Once you finish your book, beta readers become important. Beta readers are book lovers who read in your genre. In other words, don't ask a romance reader to evaluate your sci-fi novel. Beta readers should look at the big picture--that is, your storytelling ability.
      As for publication, that is a whole other subject. First work on getting to the point where you feel your story has a chance with readers. Best of luck and have fun writing.

  • @emily_bergren
    @emily_bergren 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'd like to do an #askabbie about main characters. How do you make your main character stand out and be likable? I know about writing heart's desire, but is there anything else that can make them seem more individual? It seems that often the main character in fiction book serve as the lense through which the reader can experience the story. However, oftentimes its the side characters that seem to be the cool ones XD. How can I create a main character who is as favorite-worthy as any side character?

  • @spicychilly3636
    @spicychilly3636 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This Ask Abbie Show was SO helpful! I often try to mix suspense with surprise but I think I am still lacking it and couldn't find a better example to follow. But today's video just saved me from this never-ending-doubt! Thank you, again, Abbie for such an informative video❤

  • @mariavalente6304
    @mariavalente6304 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Abbie is a fan of Miss Scarlett and the Duke. obviously. Let me pause the video and do a happy dance.

  • @4793ll
    @4793ll 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Super clarifying as usual! Always enlightened after your videos and my plot is thickening with every snippet of advice! :) Thanks

  • @zoeanastasia41
    @zoeanastasia41 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This clears things up a lot! Thank you so much for this amazing video, Abbie. I just finished reading 100 Days of Sunlight yesterday and I couldn't put it down because I wanted to see what happened when Tessa realized Weston had lost his legs, and how Weston would handle it when Tessa gained her sight back. The whole book was incredible!! I can't wait to read more of your stories!

  • @grace4683
    @grace4683 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Ah I’m so glad you decided to do these Ask Abbie weekly! I love this format!🥰

  • @christianknickerbocker604
    @christianknickerbocker604 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Best example of surprise I've ever seen is from Anne of the island. Spoiler alert: It seems like Gilbert is just worn down from the emotional distress of Anne refusing him then out of the blue little Davy says "Hey Anne, did you know Gilbert Blithe's dying". I swear my heart just about stopped.

  • @akale2620
    @akale2620 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Question: which is better, suspense or plot twist?
    Abbie: juicy internal conflict

  • @ScottyDMcom
    @ScottyDMcom 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Don't have any plot twists in my current WIP. Suspense? This is only one example.
    Back in Chapter 10, in the middle of Act I (short chapters, I promise), the demon-possessed villain takes the heroine's best friend to dinner at a fancy restaurant and woos her. He gives her a beautiful necklace with a blood-red stone, with the offer that as soon as he's killed the beast that's terrorizing the area, he will elope with her. Reader be thinking: "WTF, she's like 15 and he's late 20s. Plus he's creepy AF. How could she be so stupid as to believe this crap?" Chapter 17 (near end of Act I) and he lures the girl out into the moonlight, transforms into the beast, and tries to eat her (her brother saves her, but she's seriously messed up).
    Chapter 44, toward the end of Act II, the villain takes the heroine to the same fancy restaurant, feeds her the same line of bull about her touching his heart, etc, then offers her the same necklace with the blood-red stone. Reader be thinking: "Nooo! Don't touch that necklace." She takes it. "OMG she fell for his lies?" And the hero is in a sticky situation far away. Fortunately she's not some boy-crazy 15-year-old, but a sensible 17, and once she gets home she looks at the necklace and thinks, "WTF did I accept this?" Chapter 49 (very end of Act II) she gives the necklace back to the villain, so this won't be a repeat of Act I. But the villain is seriously pissed off. No one rejects him! And the hero is still stuck deep in the mountains.
    Time for Act III.
    PS: I have chapter titles. Both 10 and 44 have identical titles: "Dustin Grooms His Next Victim". Thinking I should drop the word "victim" from both titles. Also realized I have zero description of the restaurant. They might as well be in a white room. I should fix that.

  • @worthfightingfor2299
    @worthfightingfor2299 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Fabulous video, Abbie!! (I so want to watch Miss Scarlet and the Duke now. At least knowing some spoilers will make it more enjoyable to watch as a WRITER lol. 😜)

  • @rhens8088
    @rhens8088 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    BOTH!

  • @hannahewoods
    @hannahewoods 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Seeing your videos always makes my day! You're awesome Abbie!🥰💖

  • @OlettaLiano
    @OlettaLiano 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks, Abbie.

  • @VideoGameRoom32
    @VideoGameRoom32 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video. You showed a good example for us. Very helpful.

  • @goldenlightpictures6223
    @goldenlightpictures6223 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Looking forward to this new format for Q&A!
    Will create some good topics for videos!;)

  • @ZoggFromBetelgeuse
    @ZoggFromBetelgeuse 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I once was taken by surprise by a plot twist in my own novel - the relationship between the protagonist and the antagonist took a turn I hadn't seen coming.
    "Wait, what? No, no, no what are you guys doing? You can't have sex; you are supposed to be mortal enemies!" Needless to say, I went with it.
    (It wasn't a serious book project, just a little literary exercise to improve my English.)

  • @tejaswinisureshkrishnan4228
    @tejaswinisureshkrishnan4228 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I read 100 Days a few months ago and I reaaalllyyyy loved it! Such a positive and sweet story! You're a genius Abbie ☀️💛

  • @ER3xW4ha7
    @ER3xW4ha7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The pattern of your top is really pretty! Awesome video as well, thanks Abbie!

  • @alexishurtado6183
    @alexishurtado6183 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Some books with great plot twists and suspense are An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir and the Legend series by Marie Lu!

  • @hayleyfrerichs6908
    @hayleyfrerichs6908 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love this new format! I can always revisit single questions this way without having to remember which video was which haha. This question was great and your in-depth explanation and example was especially great! xoxo

  • @unicorntomboy9736
    @unicorntomboy9736 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Badly written plot twists can potentially ruin a story. Just look at any M.Night Shyamalan movie

  • @juliannaleclair
    @juliannaleclair 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    i love the new way you’re going to do this !!

  • @ACPritchard
    @ACPritchard 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The episode “declaration of war” in attack on titan is literally Hitchcock’s bomb under the table, and it’s fucking masterful

  • @supunmadushanka94
    @supunmadushanka94 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Definitely watching that show

  • @jamescarvey2133
    @jamescarvey2133 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks so much for explaining your Mix of Plot and Suspense- very helpful for me at the moment( 20.000 words into my book)🙏🙏🙏 You Rock and finally I'm Rocking too-thanks to your inspiring presence.

  • @ruth5830
    @ruth5830 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your videos are always so helpful every week! Thank you so much 💕

  • @SaraOLN
    @SaraOLN 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, Abbie 💛🌻! I love your videos, and they always help me through my writing journey! I noticed that you've never done a video on adding symbols to a story, and I would really appreciate if you made one because I've been really struggling with balancing them out and how to write in their meaning to my story. Once again, thank you for all your hard work 💞.

  • @sai77188j
    @sai77188j 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Please make a video how to give elevations in character for goosebumps please make a video

  • @glcaparotta6059
    @glcaparotta6059 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    So in my story they're a lot of twist and Easter eggs. But I was going to reveal what she was in the net book, but now listening to what you have said. Maybe I should reveal what she is at the end of the first book.

  • @mattmallecoccio8378
    @mattmallecoccio8378 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How did someone know I needed a similar answer?

  • @annmanzo
    @annmanzo ปีที่แล้ว

    The thing with TV and Miss Scarlett and the Duke, is that in a book, aren't we following the main pov character, so wouldn't we know that she had made arrangements with the maid? But in the show, we're left in the dark about some of the things Eliza does, we might see her pull the maid aside, but it shifts to another pov scene, so we don't know what she said to the maid. In that way, it doesn't seem too much like an unreliable narrator. If we did that in a book, would we get a beta who says, it happened off page, kind of thing?

  • @jzza1531
    @jzza1531 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    ABBIE: *this isn't exactly a question, or idk... Are you gonna do a time where you write letters to our inboxes for 2022? Just like you did for 2021? If so, I want to sign up😁..* #askabbie

  • @juliannaleclair
    @juliannaleclair 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thanks abbie!! 💗

  • @dhanyamohandas5487
    @dhanyamohandas5487 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Abbie!!!!I am a big fan of yours!

  • @mikaylamarks7361
    @mikaylamarks7361 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You’re videos are so helpful! ☺️

  • @jocelynpaxson5459
    @jocelynpaxson5459 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Abbie when is the next livestream? I'd like to know so I'm not late lol

  • @Friendship1nmillion
    @Friendship1nmillion 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I think along the lines of Kaya G's comment , the trouble is I've been having writer's block of imagination and finding the " best-sellers formula " of character arc of misbelief to failure to then revelation and success disabling 😮‍💨 . Want SO MUCH to ask a { worthwhile } question for #AskAbbie 🙋 BUT feel so guilty doing it here & don't yet have enough money to join her patreon / Facebook group club . ♑️✍️🇦🇺🇸🇯 📝💔

  • @joaquincarey-realmo407
    @joaquincarey-realmo407 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    #askabbie I have a question, how much dialogue and narration should there be in a novel? and how can I use my narration to keep the reader reading?

  • @auei
    @auei 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Patreon page not loading?

  • @raazofficials
    @raazofficials 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey Abbie! Love From INDIA 🙂

  • @sawera1368
    @sawera1368 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Plz describe how to Write draft with example

  • @briluvsuuu
    @briluvsuuu ปีที่แล้ว

    Plot twists make me go 😨🧐🫢🤭😱

  • @SabreXZ
    @SabreXZ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

  • @julia_biss
    @julia_biss 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You kinda look like Natalia Dyer
    (This is a compliment)

  • @johannkirsten5470
    @johannkirsten5470 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hello there, Abbie. I have been following your channels for not so long but Ii find it interesting. I wasn't always a writer but have begun writing about three years ago just for the fact of getting rid of unwanted bottled up emotions. I struggled at first to make the decision but have decides to publish my work. How do I get the process started step by step? #AskAbbie

    • @johannkirsten5470
      @johannkirsten5470 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I am not in the USA so that number won't work. Will it be possible for you to give me advice in another way?

  • @harrypotter4lifer498
    @harrypotter4lifer498 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hello I am a fann

    • @harrypotter4lifer498
      @harrypotter4lifer498 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @WhatsApp㈩①⑦⑧①②③⓪⓪⑤⑨⑧ how do you improve on your story writing

  • @jaydenpingol8974
    @jaydenpingol8974 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi :D

  • @harrypotter4lifer498
    @harrypotter4lifer498 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Isn't abbie the best

  • @kayag8
    @kayag8 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I dont think a character needs an arc. He can be good the whole way throught while learning things.

    • @smokey8472
      @smokey8472 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Like Marty McFly? :3

    • @kayag8
      @kayag8 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@smokey8472 its been a while since Ive seen it but I think he does change

    • @smokey8472
      @smokey8472 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kayag8 Okay. ^^ Then I completely forgot a good example. xD

    • @kayag8
      @kayag8 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think paddington bear dosent change, jojo a very popular anime has charcters that never change

  • @peakpoint8650
    @peakpoint8650 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow very beautiful ❤️😍

  • @0n344
    @0n344 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Plot twists are over, Netflix ruined them forever with garbage movies like I See You