You can't yell 'Plot twist!' and turn the page, then continue the story. Your reader may not like it, not to mention, they'd want to see what's coming next, as well as how the story unfolds following that plot twist.

How many times did you read a book and as you read each sentence you feel a plot twist coming? You can feel it in your bones, the need to see a change, something drastic. Then again, as the story unfolds, you groan inwardly because you can also see what's going to happen before you read it. The question is, which road did the writer take. Were you able to see what's coming? Or did the writer surprise you by an unexpected twist? Perhaps, you were shocked to see that all those words building up toward a twist, were in truth nothing more than words, leading to something completely opposite. Nothing of importance happened.

The reaction in a reader can evoked in many ways, including the lack of a twist which felt like one, just to be let down, or being able to breathe easier again. It all depends on what type of story you're reading. Without following any expert advice, you as a writer are left in the dark when it comes to how many plot twists a story should have.

The more, the better.

Most important thing to remember? Don't make it a cliche. Ask for advice, guidance, input from others. Read your own words. If you can see and feel the plot twist coming and can think of the simplest one, which is the one you've used, change it. Some readers may prefer the simplicity of it, the knowing of what is coming before it does, but most of them like the adventure you're taking them on. Give them a ride they won't easily forget. While you do that, you are allowed to yell 'Plot twist' in your own home.

'Til next time!
~ Gaby