Why stories matter

Writers can’t always be trusted when they talk about the power and importance of stories, but they offer the reader a chance to see the world through the eyes of others, and develop empathy for their struggles.

The science of the plot twist: How writers exploit our brains

Human cognitive tendencies help explain why plot twists can be so satisfying. But somewhat counterintuitively, they also explain why knowing about a plot twist ahead of time – the dreaded “spoiler” – doesn’t really spoil the experience at all.