A.R. Simmons asked Rose Edmunds:

How much deflection or misdirection do you employ? Do you "bury" clues as to the ultimate intent of the bad guy or the impact of the threat? If so, how calculated is that as far as plot development is concerned?

Rose Edmunds What a great question! I could write at great length on this topic, but the short answer is that I do and it's very calculated. I always put in hints as to what might be coming, plus a few red herrings too. Ideally, when the reader gets to the "killer plot twist", you want them to think back, remember those subtle hints and wonder why they didn't realise earlier. It's a very fine balance though between giving clues so obscure the reader doesn't pick up on them and letting the cat out of the bag too soon. Often the clues get written in later drafts, as it's only then that you appreciate the plot and characters in their totality.

flag