This is the continued saga of my foray into Janice Hardy’s Revise Your Novel in 31 Days at-home workshop (blog.janicehardy.com).

Today’s lesson is to strengthen my foreshadowing and reveals. I need to create a mystery arc. There should be clues that readers can look back on and see that the answers were there the whole time.

One of my important secondary characters will turn out to be non-human. Early on he is shown to be smarter than most people. I need to add two more reference points before the final reveal. Also, one of my characters is not who he says he is. I foreshadowed this by showing a special affection for my protagonist.

Results: I can now see where I need to leave clues in my story before the final reveals.

Take-away value:

A good story leaves lots of clues that readers can look back on and see that the answers were there the whole time.

Don’t forget the Rule of Three: the first time someone sees something they merely see it. The second time, they notice it, because it stands out now. The third time, they’re looking for it because you’ve established a pattern to anticipate.

Do you have any foreshadows in your story? Do you think every genre should have some?

See you on the next page.