Last February I embarked on a journey to become a published novelist. At the time, I thought this should be a piece of cake. All I have to do is write my story. Well, believe me when I tell you, this is easier said than done.
Each time I went to develop the story’s prophecy and its antagonist, I wound up blocked. Not only are the two elements linked, but they lead to the pinnacle of my plot. This is the place where the reader must say "Wow! Maybe something like that could really happen." Unfortunately, my original idea lacked the climax I needed to move forward with the manuscript.
Then, after a lot of prayer and serious contemplation, I experienced what is best described as a “Eureka” moment. Whereby a person is struck by an idea that is so original and captivating that he or she wonders if it is all a dream. I can't explain what triggered it, but suddenly, I had the necessary pieces to complete my puzzle (so to speak). After writing the plot twist in my journal, I called a friend and shared my thoughts with her. I couldn't have received a better response if I'd asked for one. She said, " Oh my God! What an interesting twist, how did you come up with that?” The genuine surprise and excitement in her voice told me that I finally created a gripping and thought provoking plot.
Since my "Eureka" moment, I've tackled my manuscript with renewed vigor. Although I still have a long way to go until my novel is complete, I think my new idea may be the difference between a story that is publishable and one that is not. Have any of you had a similar experience? If so, I would be interested in knowing what it is.
Until next time, happy writing.
Each time I went to develop the story’s prophecy and its antagonist, I wound up blocked. Not only are the two elements linked, but they lead to the pinnacle of my plot. This is the place where the reader must say "Wow! Maybe something like that could really happen." Unfortunately, my original idea lacked the climax I needed to move forward with the manuscript.
Then, after a lot of prayer and serious contemplation, I experienced what is best described as a “Eureka” moment. Whereby a person is struck by an idea that is so original and captivating that he or she wonders if it is all a dream. I can't explain what triggered it, but suddenly, I had the necessary pieces to complete my puzzle (so to speak). After writing the plot twist in my journal, I called a friend and shared my thoughts with her. I couldn't have received a better response if I'd asked for one. She said, " Oh my God! What an interesting twist, how did you come up with that?” The genuine surprise and excitement in her voice told me that I finally created a gripping and thought provoking plot.
Since my "Eureka" moment, I've tackled my manuscript with renewed vigor. Although I still have a long way to go until my novel is complete, I think my new idea may be the difference between a story that is publishable and one that is not. Have any of you had a similar experience? If so, I would be interested in knowing what it is.
Until next time, happy writing.
My “Eureka” moments have been scattered - one came late at night when I realised suddenly how far one chapter could go, and I didn't stop writing until nearly 3am. The other was talking to a friend trying to sell her 'the pitch' (way before Slushbusters!) and through talking with her I realised what characters worked better than others and it focused my thoughts regarding plot.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have found your “Eureka” moment! Exciting, isn't it? :)
Woohoo. Way to go on the renewed vigor.
ReplyDeleteI get Eureka moments from time to time. Mostly when I'm trying to fall asleep at night. The trick with me is to remember to get out of bed and write it down. Otherwise, it's lost by morning.
I love those Eureka moments.
ReplyDeleteThe ones that come in the middle of the night must be written down though, as I always forget them by the morning if I don't scribble something quickly.
The "eureka" moment is a weird Phenomena. It strikes at the most unexpected times.
ReplyDeleteJayne Ahhh, yes, the mind of a writer, it is a conundrum. Isn't it weird how one conversation awakened a muse that had been hybernating for some time?(:
B.E., I can relate. Like a newborn baby, my muse wants to stay awake when I'm ready to go to sleep. I can't count the times I've been hit with brilliant plot twists in the middle of the night, only to forget them in the light of day.
Now, I carry a journal with me everywhere I go. The day I was hit by my "eureka" moment, I was in the middle of a work out. I could not get off my cardio glide fast enough. Then I quickly grabbed my journal and wrote everything down. Taking this step really makes a difference. I have referenced my notes several times since I wrote them.
Thanks to both of you for sharing your thoughts. I really enjoyed reading them.
Thanks for your comments Deb. I'm with you, writing down thoughts makes a huge difference. I think it is interesting how many of us writer's seem to get our best ideas at night. What's that about???? (:
ReplyDeleteI'm so very happy for you. I haven't had an eureka moment but then I'm a sort of storyboarder/notetaker kind of writer.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Simone
all the best
ReplyDelete