Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, we break down what foreshadowing is, why writers use it, and how it works in practice — with examples from popular books, plays, and films. You’ll learn how foreshadowing can create tension, make plot twists feel earned, guide reader expectations, and turn readers into active participants in your story.
Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, understanding how to plant clues early — without giving the ending away — is a key storytelling skill.
Reedsy's Martin Cavannagh shares practical writing tips, craft lessons, and publishing advice to help authors at every stage of their journey.
For more tips on deploying foreshadowing in your own writing, check out this Reedsy blog post on the topic: reedsy.com/blog/what-is-foreshadowing
CHAPTERS
00:00 What is Foreshadowing? (Introduction)
01:22 Create Tension (Keep Readers Turning Pages)
03:03 Set Up Plot Twists So They Feel Inevitable
05:06 Direct Your Reader’s Expectations
07:32 Turn Readers Into Active Participants
09:54 Foreshadowing Recap & Writing Tips
In this video, we break down what foreshadowing is, why writers use it, and how it works in practice — with examples from popular books, plays, and films. You’ll learn how foreshadowing can create tension, make plot twists feel earned, guide reader expectations, and turn readers into active participants in your story.
Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, understanding how to plant clues early — without giving the ending away — is a key storytelling skill.
Reedsy's Martin Cavannagh shares practical writing tips, craft lessons, and publishing advice to help authors at every stage of their journey.
For more tips on deploying foreshadowing in your own writing, check out this Reedsy blog post on the topic: reedsy.com/blog/what-is-foreshadowing
CHAPTERS
00:00 What is Foreshadowing? (Introduction)
01:22 Create Tension (Keep Readers Turning Pages)
03:03 Set Up Plot Twists So They Feel Inevitable
05:06 Direct Your Reader’s Expectations
07:32 Turn Readers Into Active Participants
09:54 Foreshadowing Recap & Writing Tips
