Ann Ocean asked Penelope Douglas:

It seems like there are a lot of books out there that you can almost predict the ending half way through. Even with HEA novels, how do you keep from writing stories that are predictable?

Penelope Douglas Oh, gosh, that's a good question. Many would say Bully was extremely predictable, and hopefully I've grown as a writer, because I don't as many comments like that anymore.

I guess the key is to make sure you have your ending before you start writing. That way you can slowly dole out the clues as the story progresses once you already know where it's going. One of the best feelings for me is watching a movie or reading a book and, at the very end, needing to go back and reread or re-watch to re-digest all the hints now I know what the ending is. It's like getting a second chance to experience the story for the first time again.

So yes, have your ending or the twist before you write.

Thanks for the question!

flag