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Secrets, surprises, and twists are powerful narrative tools. They conjure questions and mystery in readers’ minds that raise suspense, stakes, and reader investment—and knowing how to use them effectively can create some of the most memorable moments of your story. Stories with dangling questions and startling reveals keep readers hooked throughout, not knowing what comes next, eagerly turning pages to find out.

But pulling off a successful reveal is a tricky tightrope act between giving readers enough information to feel invested and holding back enough to keep them hooked. It’s the striptease of literature: show too much and you lose all the excitement and buildup. Too little and nobody cares. Balancing these considerations often relies on three key elements: knowing what and how much to keep as a reveal, when to reveal it, and how to unspool the hidden information for maximum suspense and impact.

In this 90-minute live webinar you will learn:

• The difference between good mystery and bad mystery, narratively speaking—how to avoid being coy or cryptic—and losing or annoying your reader
• How to determine what to conceal and what to reveal, and when, for maximum suspense and impact
• How to use “benign manipulation” to invisibly set up organic reveals, selectively omitting or occluding certain information, and gently misdirecting readers to lead them to draw the conclusions you want them to draw without their seeing the author’s hand
• How to plant readers’ feet and still create powerful questions in their minds that propel them through the story
• How to make sure the payoff packs a punch when it’s finally revealed

Who this class is for

• Novelists and memoirists who want to create a compelling story by understanding when and how to reveal crucial information to readers for maximum impact
• Novelists and memoirists handling backstory that is gradually revealed throughout the story
• Novelists who want to create strong mystery and suspense in their stories, but aren’t sure how to effectively use reveals, secrets, and twists
• Novelists writing stories based on secrets and what’s withheld from the reader
• Novelists who may be intimidated by using reveals and twists who want to understand how to effectively use these devices

Who this class is not for

• Short story writers
• Children’s picture book writers

An important note for memoirists and narrative nonfiction writers

While the lessons and principles in this class will in fact apply to those writing narrative nonfiction and memoir, this class will not address some of the unique issues facing nonfiction writers and memoirists who craft stories from real-life events. (Fiction writers can manipulate their characters and story line to create the desired effect; memoirists cannot make things up—or at least shouldn’t!) This class will have more fiction examples than nonfiction and will also assume familiarity with fiction craft and technique. If you’re comfortable taking a class that isn’t geared primarily for memoirists, we welcome you.

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
• Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Fee: $25

The webinar is broadcast via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service (powered by Otter), which is about 80%+ accurate. We also use Otter AI to generate an unedited transcript, provided with the recording.

All students receive the following

• Access to the live class. After roughly 75 minutes, the instructor will take questions during class using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 90 minutes.
• A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to access the recordings.
• Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentation in PDF form.
• Rough transcript. We use Otter to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.