I’m sort of amazed by the writers of Vampire Diaries.
I know. I know. Some of you are rolling your eyes. You’re not into vampires. You think it’s too much like Twilight (even though, technically, Vampire Diaries came first). It’s just another one of those soap-opera-like CW shows.
But seriously guys. It. is. awesome.
Every week, the episode blows me away. Something crazy happens that I did not see coming. I think to myself, they can’t possibly top this. This should have been the finale. Yet somehow, the writers stick their heads together and outdo themselves yet again.
And the whole time, I’m studying. Trying to figure out their secrets.
Because these writers are experts in rewarding their audience, something Vince Mooney talked about over on Seekerville in a post titled, How Making Your Reading Experience More Rewarding Can Spell Greater Success.
Here are three way this show rewards the audience and three ways we can do the same:
Give them what they want way sooner than they expect.
How many times have you read a book or watched a show and you’re dying to get this one answer, but you know you’re going to have to wait until the end to get it? It happens all the time. Because in the writing world, we talk a lot about prolonging tension. But what if, instead, you just give the reader what they want? What if, sometimes, it’s better not to drag something out? Do you know how satisfying that can be?
Answer the question then hook them with another.
Some of you may be thinking, “Yeah, but if I give them what they want, then I’m going to diffuse the tension and there will be no reason to keep reading.” That’s very true. If you don’t have another hook waiting in your pocket. This show is the master in tension, release, tension, release, tension, release. Which means the audience is delighted, hooked, delighted, hooked, delighted, hooked. I don’t know about you, but that seems like a much better model than drawing out the tension to the point of frustration, even if the ending is really satisfying. Why not satisfy your audience multiple times? Hook them multiple times?
Embrace the shock-factor
I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this show and thought, No way did that just happen! The writers throw in a giant, unexpected twist. They wrap something up so much sooner than expected. They kill somebody off that I thought for sure was safe. All which brings me to the edge of my seat, wanting more. Seriously, there is never a dull moment.
These three tips all share a common thread, and it’s this:
Don’t hold back.
Vampire Diaries brings it every time. It’s like watching season finale after season finale. They don’t wait to drop the big stuff until the end. They drop the bomb and find a way to come up with a bigger one.
I guarantee if we find a way to master this skill, we’ll write books readers can’t put down.
Let’s Talk: What writing tips have you learned from television?
P.S. These tips are all things I’ve learned from the show. I’ve never read the books.
I find that the british scifi show Doctor Who, taught me a great deal about suspense and plot lines. Everything always adds up in the end. Even if stuff happens rwo seasons ago, stuff you never though was important before becomes relevent. And also Supernatural tsught me aboit character building snd not being afriad to rouhh up my characters snd how to spook
I’m coming late to this party, but I have to add my bit of TVD love here.
A writer friend got me watching after her blog post on how skillfully the TVD writers turned an antagonist into a protagonist (Damon in Series 1).
But the writing on that show excels in so many other ways, and it’s now my only required viewing. I love that this show isn’t about vampires or SFX, it’s about characters. And as you pointed out, they never let it get dull.
But for me, their greatest skill is how, with just a few words (usually at the end of an episode) they can turn an entire story-line on its head. (Last word of Series 3 Ep 2, anyone?)
Romy!! Another TVD fan!! You are so right. The writers are amazing!
Now I’m trying to remember what happens at the end of episode 2 in season 3! I have to go look it up!
Thanks for joining in the conversation!
[…] causing frustration. Which is why I love the show so very much. I even wrote a post about it: Tips from Television. s Let’s Talk: What do you say about frustration? Is it okay to frustrate readers? Is there a […]
I just finished watching season 1 of the Vampire Diaries and I was blown away. I had the same feelings you did, that the writers of the show are brilliant because every episode has such a hook. It just works, it's great plotting, seriously. I love that you broke down how great the show is and taught construction doing it. Awesome! Can't wait until season 2 comes out on dvd. Went to their site, but you can't catch the first episodes yet, and I didn't want to start in the middle. 🙁
Okay, you've got me interested now, Katie. So much of what you said is what I love in a book. When the author knows to "give me what I want" at the perfect moment, when I've reached the point of "cain't wait no longer" I say to him or her, "HOW DID YOU KNOW I needed that RIGHT NOW?"
Will be checking this show out on hulu or sidereel!
These are great tips. There are so many things that we can learn from watching television/movies that can improve our writing… whether it's character development, dialogue, engaging the reader, or plot/scene development. This is one reason why I love writing – you have an excuse to watch TV and not feel guilty. =)
I was thinking about Lost while reading this too. Now I think I need to start watching Vampire Diaries.
So true about a) rewarding the audience and b) using answers to create more questions.
However, you got to watch out for the "Shocking Swerve" that is the pulled out of left field without any foundation shock for shock sake.
I really hate those.
Okay – I have to tell you that I wrote my own Vampire Diaries for writers post (which was not the same and I LOVE that). Also that yours is seriously awesome and absolutely spot on true. And that I am completely addicted. Damon helps, but he's not the only reason.
Well hello Miss Maggie! So fun to see you leave a comment on my blog. 🙂 Yep, your teacher is a BIG fan of VD. So is Mrs. Gilroy. See you on Monday!
OMG! Katie, I mean Mrs. Ganshert you watch VD too?! I didn't know that! I didn't think you could learn writing tips from television!
-Mags
Ha! I never thought I'd read writing advice from the writers of "The Vampire Diaries" but hey, you sold me, girl. I like your point on shock factor… I love novels with a good unexpected twist.
the books will disappoint, so don't. the show is WAY better. i just watched one tonight on my tv blog one-stop shop…also got in an episode of glee…but i'm all about some elena and damon. mm. can't wait for true blood this summer! but you know me and my vampires…..
Eileen – great question. One thing this show has is that it's about vampires. So the whole "suspend believability" thing is a little more lax.
I've never watched this show, now you got me wondering if we get it over here.
I love what you're suggesting here, but warning bells keep going off in my head, how can it suspend disbelief if shockers keep coming left right and center? Guess I really need to watch some episodes. Love how t.v. can be educational for a writer!!!
I learn so much by watching TV shows. I pay particular attention to shows teenagers and tweens are watching now…that is where we see what works and doesn't…and what kids are interested in today. I think anyone who dismisses popular TV like that is missing a great opportunity to grow as a writer.
I'm another fan of Vampire Diaries, and I totally agree with what you're saying.
I think the target audience is young teens, but I'm totally hooked and have been since the beginning. I think that says something about the writing.
It's also a great study on character development. Even some of the "bad" boys have redeeming qualities. Just look at Damon. He's labeled as the evil brother, but underneath, he actually has a tender heart and an ability to love deeply.
I agree! So much can be learned from movies and TV!
I tend to watch less and less tv to be honest, unless its a old tv show from the 1960s or 70s. I know im old school,lol. Richard from Lebanon county's Amish community.
Wow. I've learned a lot about what NOT to do by watching TV – 🙂 but then I must say nothing for me tops the intensity of a good episode of Jack Bauer on 24! 🙂
It definitely has the drama up a million notches. I am a little skeptical since they are supposedly in high school (the humans anyways), and there is NO WAY I could have handled that kind of stuff at 17. :O)
I was going to say LOST too!! That writing was cool, although it kind of lost it for me at the end…bahaha!
I really don't watch a lot of tv. I used to watch tv all the time, but I got sick of it. Once in a while I'll turn it on, but usually I spend the evening reading or writing. I don't want to get hooked on another show!! But maybe I'll check it out!
BTW I'm having a contest on my blog for Memorial Day, if you would like to pop over and check it out!
Wow, I didn't realize it was such a good show! I might have to check it out. Great breakdown though! I love the answering a question but then causing that answer to create a new hook…(did that just make sense?) LOL
Anyway, great food for thought here! Thanks.
First visit to your blog, Katie. Won't be my last. OK, I haven't watched Vampire Diaries, but I still learned some valuable lessons from your blog post.
And I'll try applying some of them to my WIP.
And thanks for stopping by my blog today!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Vampire Diaries, to the chagrin of my teenage sons.
I have to agree, every show has a hook, a climax, and a dropped bomb that leaves me asking, "That wasn't the season finale, was it?"
Have you read the books?
I haven't seen VD, but I've heard some interesting things about it. We hear all the time to up the tension and keep the reader on their toes, but I like it when you said go ahead and drop the bomb…just drop another bomb. I need to remember that.
Great post, Katie!
I tend to be mostly a reality TV watcher, but the one non-reality show I LOVE is Outsourced.
What makes it so successful in my mind is the distinctive characters. They each have a specific quirk that makes them unique and loveable and funny in their own way. I start to anticipate the conflict before it even happens because the show has been cast so well.
MY FAVORITE SHOW! Love me some VD. Okay that didn't sound nearly as gross when I said it in my head before I typed it out. 🙂
Every week they leave me bent out of shape because it's over. Great post!
I. Love. Vampire Diaries. I never miss it. If I have to–it's DVRd. In fact, I DVR it even if I do watch it that way if kids/hubby interrupt me, I can just rewatch it. lol… Now that we all know my obsession…you're right, Katie. The writers have an excellent talent for dropping bombs and hooking viewers.
I need to watch TV more! I'm missing some great tips!! (and shows) LOL
The show "24" used to have that shock-factor too–which I LOVED! No character–except Jack Bauer–was safe. 🙂
My hubby and I have been watching some TV series on Netflix, and I find myself analyzing the plot of each episode to figure out what makes it work so well so I can use the techniques in my writing.
I love how I'm finding all these fellow VD fans in the comments! The show is awesome!
Susan – you HAVE to watch last week's episode. It was epic. 😉 You can watch it for free on the CW site.
Katie,
I SO agree! I've been trying to tell my family about this and they just stare at me blankly!
Every week the writers outdo themselves. You think: "What could possibly happen next?" and boom – there is some huge surprise!
And the actors do such a good job with their characters (especially bad boy Daman!)
A must see! I missed last week's episode and this week is the season finale! Hope I didn't miss too much!
Sue
I love Vampire Diaries!! i do not miss it. For the same reasons you mention above, I also love, love, love Justified. It's an awesome show that delivers every. single. week. Tons of tension and relief and bigger tension.
I may have to watch the show now. Like another commenter said, it sounds like Lost, with all the unexpected plot twists and turns. Great idea to apply to my writing! Thanks much!
I'm so relieved someone else out there thinks this way.
Thanks, Katie. I've never read the books, but I can't not watch this show. I've tried!
Your point about delivering and then rehooking is exactly what I like about it. Now I'm going to turn it on my own manuscript.
So looking forward to how they get Damon out of this bind. And part of me want him and Elana to be together.
I'll have to tweet you after the episode Thursday.
Because of the conversation we had a month or so ago about this series I'm going to rent the whole series from netflixs and watch from the beginning. I'm very interested in how to pay off to the reader in a big way. That's one of my pet peeves about boring reads, they're boring. 😉
YES! Those writes know how to tell a story! As soon as you start to relax (if you ever do), they hit you with another HUGE thing you couldn't have predicted. I love that they reward your wait constantly, instead of slowly leading up to one big thing at the end of the season. And you're right… Every episode feels like the finale.
First, let me just say that now that I know you watch The Vampire Diaries, I'll be emailing/posting to you and saying "Can you believe _______ happened?!?!" I'm still having a hard time getting over last weeks show. Honorable my foot, Elijah!
Second, have you ever read Frankie's Vampire Diarie recaps? They are on the First Novels Club blog. They are SO funny. Check them out!
Third, I totally agree with you on the writing. Actually after the last couple shows, I was thinking about my own story and wondering if I had the "No way did that just happen!" factor. I like the tension, release, tension, release too. Nice job!
(oh, and my post is about this too today!)
These are actually really great tips. I've been watching Glee. I've learned that you can have a "type" and over-exaggerate it, then surprise us with an unexpected reaction or glimpse into their true personality. I also love how they blend music and dialogue. Love it, in fact.
I don't watch much TV. But the shows I do try to catch (The Office and Castle) lose me in their characters, who are so rich and fleshed out. I'll have to study them more closely. (Usually I get lost in the story.)
I learn stuff from Law & Order when I watch it. I don't watch much and I haven't seen it, but that new show, The Voice reminds me of books…how you just know it when you read it.
~ Wendy
I'm totally with you Katie!!!!
Each week I have serious blood-lust for this show! I scream almost everytime the show ends because it will be torture waiting for the next one. I started to read the series but it didn't have the same feel as the show so I couldn't even make it through book one.
Television has given me loads of ideas for plots, plot twists, and character interaction.
I enjoy frustration! HAHA. Anyone remember how collectively as a country we were frustrated with Mulder and Scully? I recall being in the theater for the first movie and we all groaned when they didn't kiss (after the bee stung her). It was great! 🙂
I have to admit that I've never seen The Vampire Diaries. The whole vampire thing doesn't usually do it for me, but the storytelling aspect of it does intrigue me, I have to admit. But I find that what TV teaches me more often than not is what NOT to do: unbelievable story telling, stretching tension to the point that the tension just peters out, caricature characters etc. So we can learn from the good and the bad, and hopefully come out of it with ways to recognize those aspects in our own material and work to make it stronger.
I am always SO HAPPY when a t.v. show answers questions and makes things happen earlier on, because you're so right–it's more rewarding than being driven to the point of frustration because it's drawn out for seven seasons.
One of the best examples I've ever seen of characterization, world-building, and a growth-filled story arc came from a cartoon, believe it or not. 😉
I haven't watched thsi show but it soundds like Lost. When one mystery was answered another one was introduced. What I love the most about the shows is that they have the season storyline and then that specific storyconflict for that week.