Almost 50 followers! Thanks to everyone for following - I really appreciate it!
The first time I saw this advert, I almost snorted wine through my nose (almost, but not quite - it would have been a waste of good wine, not to mention painful!). I'll let you watch it before I carry on.
Why is it so unforgettable? For me, it's the sheer unexpectedness of that tractor! The audience is led to believe it's just another schmaltzy advert, and then...
How do you use the element of surprise in your writing? Do you prefer to signpost so the reader isn't surprised, or do you introduce a tractor?
(Annoying peeping bird update: I'm happy to report no harm has been done. Wee birdie did not keep me awake last night. Now if I could only say as much about my husband's snoring...)
Wow, the tractor really is a surprise at the end! I'm not good with surprises, I need to work on incorporating more of them in my writing!
ReplyDeleteI was no help with the bird, but a good kick to the shin usually works for the snoring hubby. Only temporarily, but hey, that just means you get to kick him again ;)
ReplyDeleteI kept wondering what made you snort...then came the tractor and I snorted! Hilarious.
Since I write suspense, I sure hope my elements of surprise shine through. I have a few big ones. Both of my beta readers so far had the OMG, I never saw it coming reaction, so that a good sign, I suppose.
I couldn't see the video, my puter won't let me, but to answer your question, I try and let the tractor show up unannounced. I like the surprise, I like the reader to be surprised. I like that, "I didn't see THAT coming" response.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see that coming. Too funny. I'm not sure if there is a trick to this --adding in the surprise but I like to think that I at least try.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I use foreshadowing to let my readers know something is coming but sometimes, I like to just spring it on them. My characters tend to punch me though.
ReplyDeleteann
I have mixed feelings about surprises. If they're totally out of nowhere, they irk me a great deal. But you could argue even the tractor is not "out of nowhere." It fits the setting, if not expectation. I prefer those kinds of surprises--ones that feel organic or have been very subtly foreshadowed, but you likely missed the foreshadowing because the author cleverly used narrative misdirection to attract your attention elsewhere. You might want to check out my post on narrative misdirection here:
ReplyDeletehttp://laurelgarver.blogspot.com/2010/02/abra-cadabra-sleight-of-hand-in-fiction.html
surprises are great.I'm not very good at them, either. Then,I manage to surprise my audience when I don't think I am!
ReplyDeleteNow you do have 50 followers!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could figure out what's happened to my video capabilities via blogger. Youtube works, other videos work, and blogger videos work, but not the videos posted like yours has. If anyone has a suggestion for me it would be great. But I can't comment on the video you have here.
Lee
Hi
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the little birdie is now well and truly enjoying the joys of spring! As for your husband's snoring.. er.. well I'm a snorer so I can't really comment..!
Moving on swiftly - isn't that advert wonderful? Totally unexpected twist - brilliant.
As for the writing - I have a feeling I do both. Short story writing for me will be the tractor element, longer story maybe more signposting - but subtle or I try to be!
Take care
x
Yes! I've seen this commercial on French TV -- hilarious! I love an unexpected twist and try to work them into my writing, like the tractor in this ad. It's a fine art to accomplish, though. Sometimes, if something comes at the reader from left field, it can come across gimmicky and unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the laugh! Loved this post :D
This is too funny Talli! That is a great reminder for me. Your mind is pretty quick to pick up on this, all snorting aside :)
ReplyDeleteI like surprises, both writing and reading them. But they have to fit into the context of the story, and not be far off base, or contrived, to work.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm all about twisty, dark surprises. Anywhere in the novel, actually. I try to have three. One at the end of the first part. One at the end of the second part. And one at the end. I think they motivate the MC into action and they keep the pace going and they keep the reader engaged.
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to master the surprise technic, but I love that video. I was surprised! :) LOL. *snort, snort*
ReplyDeleteGreat post. LOVED the video!
ReplyDeleteLife is all about surprises! It would be so very boring without them. Reading/writing without surprises, be they happy or sad, is boring...
I try to use surprises in my writing, but it's a skill I'm still honing. I loved this video! Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteYou should swing by my blog when you get a chance - I've given you an award!
Glad you all liked the advert! It's hilarious, non? Apologies to those who can't see it... strange, it is a YouTube video...
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to read all the thoughts on surprises, because it's something I struggle with. I don't want things to come out of left-field for my readers, but I don't want to make things too obvious, either. There's a fine line!
ahahahahahahaha
ReplyDeleteLOVE THE COMMERCIAL.
LOVE ITTTTTTTTTTTT
Oh my! I'm so glad you did not shoot wine out your nose, but I almost did the same with coffee.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog, have a great day!
Thanks for the warning - it did make me laugh!! Love the twist.
ReplyDeleteIn my writing I like surprises as long as they make sense with respect to characters and plot :)
Congrats on the followers and great post. That video? Too funny. :)
ReplyDeleteCheese, wine, kissing and an unexpected tractor interruption makes for one humorous commercial!
ReplyDeleteMy surprises aren’t usually the jump out and slap you across the face kind, but the slow building and missing puzzle piece kind. I enjoy both though!
clearly, y'all get funnier commercials than we do. you were right. was super funny.
ReplyDeleteIn my writing, I use a very tiny signpost and then run em over with the tractor.
Love the tractor! But seriously, your post is a good reminder. I like to be surprised when I read, but I don't think I strive for that in my own writing - something I'll have to take a look at.
ReplyDeleteI like twists, but am not always good at them!
ReplyDeleteI love foreshadow. Anything that happens usually has an indication early on. But I make it subtle enough that it seems like a surprise when it arrives.
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