If you have already played the writing games I have offered previously, you can try your hand now at something less easy and much more interesting: how to create a crucial event in a complex story.
Create a rough first simple draft to capture your ideas. Jot down about your main character, his situation and his main objective. Now, imagine a pivotal unexpected event that must occur within a tight timeframe. Brainstorm how this looming deadline transforms your character’s decisions, relationships, and actions. Feel the urgency pulsing through your narrative
Here’s another example of the “Unraveling Secrets” exercise:
Genre: Historical Fiction
Main Character: Guglielmo Gravato
Guglielmo Gravato, a renowned archaeologist in his early 40s, has been leading a covert mission to uncover an ancient artifact that is rumored to hold the key to a long-lost civilization’s power. He’s been funded by a wealthy collector who demands complete secrecy until the artifact is found. The artifact’s discovery could reshape historical understanding, but it’s also surrounded by myths of its dangerous capabilities.
Pivotal Event: Just days before Guglielmo believes he’ll locate the artifact, a curious journalist stumbles upon the dig site and becomes suspicious of the activity. She starts digging into Guglielmo’ss past and the excavation site’s history, threatening to expose the secret mission to the world.
Urgency Transformation: With the journalist closing in on the truth, Guglielmo’s world crumbles. He must accelerate his plans to find the artifact and secure it before it falls into the wrong hands. The looming threat of exposure forces him to confront his own ethical boundaries and the moral implications of his actions. His relationships are strained as he navigates between protecting his secret and maintaining the trust of his team.
Exercise Reflection: The impending revelation of the secret mission intensifies the suspense as Guglielmo races against time to complete his mission. The urgency pushes him to confront his motivations and the consequences of his pursuit, ultimately leading to personal growth and unexpected alliances. The deadline not only drives the plot forward but also unveils the complexities of William’s character and the broader ethical questions surrounding historical discovery and preservation.
By weaving the urgency of a looming deadline into your narrative, you can create a captivating story that not only keeps readers engaged but also explores the inner struggles, growth, and unexpected twists of your characters. Happy writing!
