Oh I love it when we read exactly what we need at just the right time! I hope you find James’ book just as helpful as I have. It is a real gem!

You never know when lightning will strike. I’ve had this post bookmarked for 3 months, finally read it, and POW!

I’ve been struggling to plot the final book of a 4 book SFR series, in which the over-arching series hero is brought down, tries to triumph using his usual arrogant alpha tools, does so for a time then crashes clear to the bottom. He finally realizes he needs other beings for many different reasons and that is okay, doesn’t mean he’s needy and helpless. Only then can he rise to final triumph.

The villain is his mirror with same horrible beginnings, except that V became a criminal & gang leader ruling thru terror, murder & extortion while Hero became a leader of industry, a good man, if isolated.

Thanks so much, love your books and love this blog! Also heading over to buy JS Bell’s book on middles. He is such a good teacher.

best,
Cathryn Cade

I actually think it’s a series of emotions that complete the process. A specific emotion leads to the realization one must change, then as you suggest, there is the satisfaction-related emotion at seeing change, but then at some point, a downturn emotion that comes with failure or partial failure, leading to recommitting “all in,” and finally success and the emotions tied to well being, satisfaction and knowing one has achieved the evolution to become someone better and living life fulfilled. 🙂

Emotion really is the life line of any story. 🙂 So important for us to understand it well, and be able to convey it to readers, don’t you agree?

Say, in Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Scrooge first felt frightened that he’s going to die lonely when the ghost showed him his future. Then he took action – to become more generous, and as a result felt happy. This way, the emotion doesn’t just exist in the critical moment, but also *after* it. I think this dual-layer structure may be more interesting. There’ll be even more spaces for character development too. What do you think?

Thanks for sharing, BTW!

That’s great Mart! So glad this will help you 🙂