Sunday, May 2, 2010

My Writing Life -- An OHenry moment

years ago, I read every story O Henry wrote and enjoyed the twisted endings. Though I seldom write short stories these days, that's how I began writing and selling. Always in the back of my mind I dreamed of those twists at the end of a story but only once have I managed to fine one and that was in a very short story. The twist was she couldn't see the forest for the trees. This was a play on the names of the characters in the story. Today I had another one. At least to me it is.

I'm working on a novella and I had a rough sketch of it and began the first draft. For me this is an important one since it sets the plot in more solid form. As I came to the end, I knew the very last bit but I needed a surprise in there. Suddenly it was there and I laughed. Sometimes when things fall into place it's a shock and a pleasant event. I hope as I revise the story my surprise does the same for the readers. I may have to plant a clue or two earlier in the story but maybe not.

Reading is such a part of a writer's life. I may never go back and read the volumes of short stories I read years ago but I will keep on reading, Maybe I'll dip into poetry next. One never knows.

There will be some new topics coming to this blog soon. One will be interviews with other authors, excerpts from my own work. Keep tuned for new developments.

2 comments:

Wendy S Marcus said...

I think plot twists are great, especially at the end of a story. It makes you think about the story long after you've finished reading it.

Jeanne said...

As an Ohenry fan, I can identify with you. It is nice when things come together and very surprising at the way in which it happens. I like your blog and will stop by often.

Thanks
JM griffin