In this video, we look at how to create a twist using an unreliable narrator.

In this video, we look at how to create a twist using a reversal of identity.

Now let's look at twist types that rely on a reversal of motive.

Now it's time to think about twists that revolve around a reversal of perception.

Let's consider the type of twist that relies on a reversal of achievement.

Read the Gift of the Magi by O Henry, which is an example of a story that uses a reversal of achievement twist (you can also download the story as a PDF).

If you prefer, you can move straight on to an analysis of the story in the next lesson.

In this lesson, we analyse The Gift of the Magi by O Henry using a story template, which you can use to outline your own twist stories later in the course. You can listen to the analysis in the video lesson, or download the analysis as a PDF.

In this video we look at twists that rely on a reversal of fortune (also known as peripeteia)

The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant is an example of a story that uses a reversal of fortune twist. In this lecture you can listen to or read my analysis of the story to help you understand more about a reversal of fortune type twist. The analysis uses the template we referred to in our earlier analysis of The Gift of the Magi.

Here's a short recap on what we've learned during this section.

This lesson offers advice on how to start developing a twist for your story.

Adding a second twist to short pieces of fiction will make your story more satisfying for readers and more likely to sell to an editor. This lesson looks at a story example to demonstrate how a second twist can add extra value.

Once you've thought of an idea for a twist, you'll need to start to build a story around it. This lesson looks as some of the ways you can do this.

In this lesson we look at how to create an outline for your twist story.

This lesson considers why you need to sow clues in your story in order to satisfy your readers. It also considers the Chekhov's Gun principle.

This lesson considers some of the ways you can misdirect readers in order to create a plot twist, and it includes a story example which can be downloaded as a PDF.

Some twists have been over-used in story plots. Here are a few that you should avoid.

Twist plots are equally popular in short stories and novels.

In this bonus lesson, we consider the art of writing dialogue.

In this lesson your can read some tips for editing your work. Editing is an important part of the writing process and is not something you should neglect. Editing can often take longer than writing the first draft.

Proofreading is essential if you want to present your work professionally, and it is vital if you decide to self-publish. Some people are better at spotting errors than others. This lesson includes tips and pointers to help you with the process, but if you don't feel confident about proofreading, then it's probably best to get someone else to do it for you.

This short exercise is designed to test your proof reading and observation skills. The answers are provided in the accompanying PDF.

Listen to this lesson or read the guide to submitting your short story or novel to an editor, publisher or agent. Also included with the lesson is an example manuscript layout.

Here are some twist stories that are well worth reading to learn more about how twist plots work.

This video contains some suggested 'next steps' to sustain your motivation for writing.