Addendum

That old sailor is a sea god, but you won't find that out for a few books, or maybe in an interview.

Debate of the Century

Which is worse, finding out it's all a dream or that it's all a simulation? I'm going with simulation. At least a dream might be prophetic. Meanwhile, over in the simulation thing, you know there's going to be ambiguity about whether the part outside a simulation is also a simulation. Ooh, so tantalizing!

Addendum

I know the first idea you had was a ghost that turns out to be trying to give someone the wallet he dropped, but a descarifying reveal doesn't erase earlier spookiness.

Publishing Advice

If you're going to infuse a few unlucky copies of your book with diabolical energies, try to make it a science fiction story so people really don't expect it.

If You're Looking for a Hot Reveal

Wait till near the end of the story, then reveal in a casual aside that every single person in the setting is a redhead. Readers will recommend it to all their friends.

Dream Sequences

The thing with dreams is, they aren't real. OR ARE THEY? They'd better be if the author bothers putting them in the story.

Addendum

Hey! This emerald is a fake!

Sprucing Up Your Script

Out: Rosebud is a sled
In: Rosebud opens treasure chests

The Most Shocking Revelation

"Nrevyw backwards . . . is wyvern! Our substitute teacher is a wyvern, and he's been killing the students to feed his young!"

The surprising part is that it isn't a disguised wyvern. It's just hovering there, eating people. But then you have to make the rest of the movie. Twists just don't get you very far.

A Lament for the Old Days

Keyblades? Opening the doors of the heart? What about real blades and opening up the non-metaphorical heart? And why do those shoes have to be so big? Bunions?