Last week, we looked at Donald Maass’ WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL WORKBOOK and discussed turning points in regard to plot. Today we’ll examine turning points that have to do with our characters’ inner journey.
As we all know, our heroes and heroines must change and grow. Those moment of change are internal turning points when life is seen, is recognized, is understood in a new and different way. Profound or subtle, if the change is relevant to the character’s growth, it should be revealed to the reader.
Maass suggests comparing and contrasting a character before and after a major plot turning point—or action turning point—for insight into the response that character has or will experience internally. When we, as writers, recognize that transformation, we can weave pertinent details into our stories, which allow the reader to recognize the change as well.
Just as we describe a sunset or a garden in bloom, so should we detail the impact events have on the inner person. Maass suggests doing “emotional research.” How does a flesh and blood person react to a similar situation in real life? That glimpse of reality will give authenticity to our characters, which will resonate with readers.
Happy writing!
Wishing you a joyous Fourth of July! As always the men and women in uniform will be in my thoughts and prayers. Because of their heroism, their great sense of duty and unfailing dedication, we can experience the wonderful life we live in the United States of America, which is truly the land of the free and the home of the brave. If friends or loved ones are serving in our Armed Forces, please email their names to me at www.DebbyGiusti.com so I can pray specifically for them.
I ask for your prayers for a wonderful young man named Matt. While in basic training at Paris Island, he was severely injured and has a long and arduous year of therapy ahead.
God bless Matt.
God bless our valiant soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen.
God bless the USA!
Wishing you abundant blessings!
Debby Giusti
www.debbygiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com
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