> Skip to content

Article  •  29 March 2017

 

The big reveal

Charlie Donlea’s secrets to creating a memorable plot twist.

Most writers will tell you that the process of creating a novel is very lonesome. Especially the early drafts, when it’s too soon to ask for feedback from First Readers. You’re off on your own wondering if the story you’re creating is coherent or interesting, and if it will come together in the end. Those early drafts always fill me with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt about my capabilities as a storyteller. So when I finally deliver the final product in the form I’m satisfied with, it’s a joy and privilege to hear from readers who liked the story – whether they guessed the twist or not.

But, I do love when I fool you! And here are my rules:

  1. No deceiving the reader. I, as the writer, cannot lie to the reader in order to create the mystery of the story. Any misdirection must come honestly and by allowing the reader to assume certain things about the story or the characters that, at that moment in the book, are perfectly reasonable to believe.
  2. The villain has to be part of the story. The worst stories for me as a reader are when the big reveal comes and the bad guy is a little mentioned, tertiary character that was never on my radar because I never knew about him or because he was never a significant part of the story.
  3. Finally, if my efforts fail and the reader sees the twist coming… well, I can’t be upset. I, the writer, simply ran into a skillful and astute reader. But ultimately, I got them to the end of the book and kept their interest. It’s still a win all around! 

Feature Title

The Girl Who Was Taken
Two women – one the sister of a missing girl and the other a victim who escaped – come together to unmask a killer in this heart-stopping, unputdownable thriller from a sensational new voice in suspense fiction.
Read more

More features

See all
Article
James Beard Award-winning cookbooks of 2025

Check out some of the incredible books honoured at the 2025 James Beard Foundation Book Awards.

Article
QUIZ: Which YA thriller should you read next?

Take this quiz to find out which YA thriller should be your next read!

Article
Penguin Fantasy Fest 2025

Penguin Fantasy Fest is back and better than ever!

Article
5 of the hottest YA books right now (2025)

Check out some of the hottest YA books in stores now, from epic romantasy to sweet, unexpected romance.

Article
20 books like The Let Them Theory

Finished The Let Them Theory and wondering what to read next? Check out this list of 20 suggested picks that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

Article
How to throw the perfect Bluey birthday party

Everything you need to throw the perfect Bluey birthday party!

Article
Your guide to writers’ festivals in May 2025

Check out some of the Penguin Random House authors who will be at upcoming writers’ festivals.

Article
How to save money on groceries: 6 innovative budget tips

Food shopping on a budget? These tips from Money-Saving Meal Plans With Chelsea will help you spend less on food.

Article
Penguin Picks: 4 books to escape with this long weekend – no travel required

Check out the long weekend reads Penguin employees are loving.

Article
Penguin Noir 2025 was a criminally good showcase

Our 2025 Penguin Noir events have wrapped up for another year – featuring four cities, four days, seven authors and a whole lot of crime!

Article
Two Penguin authors make the shortlist for the 2025 Stella Prize

Congrats to Samah Sabawi, author of Cactus Pear For My Beloved and Jumaana Abdu, author of Translations!

Article
Lynette Noni is touring Australia in 2025!

Find out where you can hear Lynette Noni speak about her upcoming book, Wandering Wild.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles
penguin pop image
penguin pop image