Subverting the Expected Path

Narrative Left Turns

When I find a scene feels flat, it’s usually because I’m following the path of least resistance. Our brains are wired for efficiency, which often leads us to the most “logical” or “predictable” conclusion for a character’s interaction. But logic is rarely interesting in fiction.

Today, I took a stalled scene and mapped out the three most likely things my protagonist would do next. Then, I crossed them all out and forced myself to write the fourth option—the one that felt slightly uncomfortable. The result was a sudden spark of genuine character revelation. Don’t be afraid to take the left turn.

The Monroe Minute
Write down the “obvious” next move for your character in a current draft, then forbid yourself from using it.

Until the next page,
Sloane S. Monroe

Sloane Shay Monroe

I don’t write to idealize love, but to explore it honestly, with emotional precision and depth.