I think that’s supposed to be black. We’ve all heard about the ‘Big Black Moment.’ The moment when something so heartbreaking or devastating happens that the hero and heroine are ripped apart and we wonder how will they overcome these terrible odds?
But haven’t you read books where the ‘black moment’ was really more……charcoal or even just a dull brown? I know I’ve read stuff where the moment is described, at best, as a murky beige. And that’s such a let down because we need that emotional turning point and then the satisfying ending. Otherwise why spend the time to read 300 pages?
And how do those books even get published? What editor looked at that manuscript and said, “Oh wow, when Henry Hunk stepped into that blow-up kiddie pool and realized he didn’t know how to swim I was devastated! How would they overcome this?”
Ok, so they probably aren’t that inane, but some are close enough.
I’ve been looking through my WIP and realized that my black moment isn’t even beige, it’s hiding! Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do!
It’s hard to beat up our characters and make their lives hell, because, hey, we like these people. We like them better than some of our family members. Most of our family members.
But if we don’t put them through some sort of horrible BLACK moment then…..boooorring.
So get out those spear guns and cross bows and get those characters in your sights for some serious pain and anguish! Throw everything you’ve got at them, and when they’re down, kick ‘em again. Make that black moment pitch black.
What are some of your favorite black moments?
3 comments:
My very absolute favorite is from Perfect by Judith McNaught. The airport scene is so powerful and moving that I actually HATE Julie, the heroine, for betraying Zach, the hero, by working with the authorities to apprehend him. Even though I know how the story ends - every time I read it - I still get angry, like I want to just scratch her eyes out angry. How could she do that to him? That she would hurt him so badly just kills me.
But Judith does a wonderful job of piecing it back together so artfully that I forgive Julie and end up mad at Zach for ever doubting her. Nevermind I was right there with him sending all kinds of negative vibes her way.
To accomplish that kind of emotional rollercoaster just once in anything I write would be such a crowning moment for me.
Mostly I think I fall into the kiddie pool category of crap. ;-)
Hmmm. Maybe we should plot together. I have no problem conjuring up the big, black moment.
My problem is figuring out how to get the hero and heroine back together afterward.
I do like Judith McNaught. She's a great writer. Trinity, I would love to have a plot session together. That's where I seem to have the most problems. I love creating the characters and having them interact with each other but I tend to forget that they're working toward something.
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