Revelation is a technique that often holds stories that aren't plotted together but often occurs in most published stories. Revelation is about a secret one that when revealed gives the story a focus. In a story the focus character discovers something hidden or realizes a truth that has been there for ages. This can be a quest or a journey with each encounter revealing a bit of the secret. For the reader this brings enlightment. There are a number of important things to remember about the secret.
1. The secret must be something worth knowing. The revelation must matter.
2. There must be a build-up to the secret with clues sprinkled along the way.
3. The secret must be easily recognized without a lot of lengthy explanations about what the secret is and what it means.
4. The secret must be a single thing, not a choice between two different meanings.
So write the story and think about how you plan to use revelation and secrets clearly. Don't muddy the waters.
Love the advice tidbits. Thank you. : )
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Janet! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou make it sound so simple. Sure mark of a pro!
ReplyDeleteGood advice. Foreshadowing a secret without being too heavy handed is an excellent skill for a writer to possess.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's the weaving of the tidbits that keeps the reader reading! I hate when an author either springs something on us or gives it away too soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice and I totally agree.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, as always. Just like the villain who comes out of left field with no warning at the 11th hour, this is how I sometimes feel about revelations, though.
ReplyDeleteWait! You're my evil twin??!!
Hi, all! Thanks for having me, Janet. :) Nope not easy. Not in the beginning and definitely not all these years later!
ReplyDeleteEvil twin. hahahaha!