You wrote somewhere in Plot Spoiler to avoid lists in threes. Avoiding lists in threes is like a subliminal way to subvert expectations in style. I didn't realize how prevalent lists in threes were in stuff I read and some of my own stuff until you pointed it out and now threes haunt much of what I read and they bulge from the text like plague buboes.
So for subverting expections in novels, would this just be almost a one time use to affect the tension? Because if used again it would damage the authority you have established with the reader. Or are their rare instances were a skilled writer has been able to utilize it several times to shock or surprise the reader?
Instantly put me in mind of the scene from both the book and movie where all of the bar patrons turn into massive, grotesque reptiles -- https://youtu.be/eekl1wwBsXM
I like LSD because its still possible to be social on it. Its fun, but it never gives me any sort of insight. Much prefer psilocybin, but only by myself in the woods on a clear night with no artificial light or sound. Lots of insight that way. Michael Pollan is doing god's work.
Horror to relief. I recall an experience when the outcome subverted my expecation, probably going to butcher it here but, just bear with me.
In retrospect, 'maybe' pure luck, police, couple of psychotropes and a little bag of hash. We were 5 guys, at a nice partying spot away from attention. I sat in front seat rolling a joint ( cause it was windy), the others were outside. but, all of a sudden police are in, all the drugs's in the car, no chance to throw everything away. And the way these cops jumped out of nowhere seem they knew we'd be here and waited to catch us while fully cooked and on the act. Anyway, as I was inside trying to act calm, the cops cornered each one, asked for their IDs, reported them to central station, they took more than ages with each one grilling them with questions. I knew my moment will come, and will not get away with it. My mom and dad will be eternally disappointed. Wait a minute! checking my pockets, I have no ID aswell.. That's it, got no chance, locked in trouble. One by one, probably an hour has passed, and when they've finished with other five, my turn's up. Surprisingly one of the cops just looked at me for a sec, then looked away, then they just got into the car and gone away. I couldn't believe it. Such relief. From excalating tension and hanging doom, to an unexpected result. I still can't figure out why they've left me out. Maybe I'm just lucky.
It's Sunday Dinner. We spend our lives hustling from one street corner to the next, week after week. No matter how bad life gets, Sunday Dinner at Momma's house reminds us people care.
Chuck, can you recommend a place online where common story expectations or tropes can be found? Or if anyone else in the group can recommend, that would be great. Thanks again for being a great teacher!
I will never get tired of hearing your anecdotes, thanks for sharing 😁
thanks
I’ve been eating Delta 9 gummies for half a day and revisiting every Tennessee Williams film adaption I can find, and this really hit the spot
Good stuff!
Subvert the Expectation
Derail the Expectation Train 😄🚂
You wrote somewhere in Plot Spoiler to avoid lists in threes. Avoiding lists in threes is like a subliminal way to subvert expectations in style. I didn't realize how prevalent lists in threes were in stuff I read and some of my own stuff until you pointed it out and now threes haunt much of what I read and they bulge from the text like plague buboes.
I’d been wanting to ask you what psychedelics you’ve tried haha. Love this.
I can see that being your memoir; a collection of shorts beginning with that line. Hell, you could even title it "So This One Time in College..."
Also, thanks for dropping that helpful heads up that citric acid reactivates LSD! Good to know.
On another note:
Does anyone know when we'll be meeting for Story Night or Workshop this month or the next month? I'm trying to plan a trip to the Northwest.
So for subverting expections in novels, would this just be almost a one time use to affect the tension? Because if used again it would damage the authority you have established with the reader. Or are their rare instances were a skilled writer has been able to utilize it several times to shock or surprise the reader?
“Fear and Loathing in Portland”
Instantly put me in mind of the scene from both the book and movie where all of the bar patrons turn into massive, grotesque reptiles -- https://youtu.be/eekl1wwBsXM
I like LSD because its still possible to be social on it. Its fun, but it never gives me any sort of insight. Much prefer psilocybin, but only by myself in the woods on a clear night with no artificial light or sound. Lots of insight that way. Michael Pollan is doing god's work.
Thanks for your tips!
Horror to relief. I recall an experience when the outcome subverted my expecation, probably going to butcher it here but, just bear with me.
In retrospect, 'maybe' pure luck, police, couple of psychotropes and a little bag of hash. We were 5 guys, at a nice partying spot away from attention. I sat in front seat rolling a joint ( cause it was windy), the others were outside. but, all of a sudden police are in, all the drugs's in the car, no chance to throw everything away. And the way these cops jumped out of nowhere seem they knew we'd be here and waited to catch us while fully cooked and on the act. Anyway, as I was inside trying to act calm, the cops cornered each one, asked for their IDs, reported them to central station, they took more than ages with each one grilling them with questions. I knew my moment will come, and will not get away with it. My mom and dad will be eternally disappointed. Wait a minute! checking my pockets, I have no ID aswell.. That's it, got no chance, locked in trouble. One by one, probably an hour has passed, and when they've finished with other five, my turn's up. Surprisingly one of the cops just looked at me for a sec, then looked away, then they just got into the car and gone away. I couldn't believe it. Such relief. From excalating tension and hanging doom, to an unexpected result. I still can't figure out why they've left me out. Maybe I'm just lucky.
It's Sunday Dinner. We spend our lives hustling from one street corner to the next, week after week. No matter how bad life gets, Sunday Dinner at Momma's house reminds us people care.
*Rinse, repeat.
Chuck, can you recommend a place online where common story expectations or tropes can be found? Or if anyone else in the group can recommend, that would be great. Thanks again for being a great teacher!
I watched clouds breathe...